In a trauma patient with a penetrating groin injury and spurting arterial bleed, what is the first priority?

• A. Prevent hypothermia
• B. Control the bleeding
• C. Ensure an open airway
• D. Administer oxygen

Answer: (B)

Controlling massive external hemorrhage takes priority because a life-threatening arterial bleed can cause death within minutes if not stopped. In a penetrating groin injury with spurting blood, direct pressure to the wound and rapid measures to achieve hemostasis (and use of a tourniquet if needed) address the most immediate threat to survival. While airway, breathing, and oxygen are important and should be managed, they do not stop the ongoing blood loss, which is the critical factor in this scenario. Preventing hypothermia helps with coagulation long-term, but it doesn’t arrest the current bleed. So, the first action is to control the bleeding.