drukpunt

Drukpunt is a Dutch term meaning “pressure point.” It refers to a location on the body where pressure can be applied to influence blood flow, a concept most often encountered in emergency first aid to help control bleeding. The idea behind a pressure point is that compressing an artery can reduce the amount of blood reaching a injured area, potentially slowing bleeding. However, effective use requires knowledge of anatomy and care to avoid tissue damage; direct pressure on the wound, control of bleeding, and seeking medical help are the primary recommendations in modern first aid.

Commonly cited pressure points in traditional or basic training include arterial areas such as the wrist (radial artery) and the upper arm (brachial artery), and in some contexts the groin (femoral artery) or neck (carotid artery). The usefulness of pressure points depends on the injury, and improper compression can worsen harm or cause nerve or tissue injury. Therefore, pressure points are generally advised for trained responders or under professional guidance, with emphasis on direct wound care and rapid medical assistance.

In addition to its medical sense, the term drukpunt can appear in technical contexts to denote a point where pressure is applied or measured. In common usage, however, the concept most closely associated with drukpunt is the medical one described above.

Etymology: from druk (“pressure”) + punt (“point”). See also: first aid, hemostasis, bleeding control.