Upon approaching a patient with severe leg bleeding, what should your first action be?

In a situation where a patient is experiencing severe leg bleeding, the priority is to control the bleeding as quickly as possible. This is crucial because uncontrolled hemorrhage can lead to shock or even death in a matter of minutes. The body can tolerate certain medical interventions such as managing airways or administering oxygen, but if bleeding is not addressed immediately, it can result in significant blood loss.

Controlling the bleeding typically involves applying direct pressure to the wound, using hemostatic dressings if available, or even applying a tourniquet if the bleeding is life-threatening and does not respond to direct pressure. This action directly addresses the most immediate threat to the patient’s life, ensuring that blood loss is minimized and providing time for further care and assessment.

While assessing pulse, administering oxygen, and opening the airway are important components of patient care, those actions become secondary in the presence of severe bleeding that requires immediate intervention. Addressing the bleeding first lays the foundation for a more comprehensive treatment plan for the patient's overall condition.