What is the first step in managing a patient with a severe soft-tissue injury?

In managing a patient with a severe soft-tissue injury, the first priority is to stop the bleeding. Severe soft-tissue injuries often involve significant blood loss, which can be life-threatening. Controlling the bleeding is essential because it helps to stabilize the patient's condition and prevents shock, which can arise from significant blood loss.

Once the bleeding is managed, other assessments and interventions can follow, such as checking for fractures, calming the patient, or administering oxygen if needed. However, without first addressing the immediate danger of uncontrolled bleeding, these subsequent actions become secondary and may even be less effective. Stabilizing the patient by controlling bleeding lays the foundation for effective treatment of the injury and overall patient care.