After an injury, what should all first responders prioritize?

The priority for all first responders after an injury should be controlling bleeding and ensuring patient safety. This focus is essential because uncontrolled bleeding can lead to severe complications and can be life-threatening. Immediate measures to stabilize the patient, such as applying pressure to wounds, ensuring the airway is clear, and providing basic life support if necessary, are critical actions that can significantly increase the chances of a positive outcome.

While other actions, such as setting up evacuation plans or calling for backup, are important in certain circumstances, they should not take precedence over the immediate need to address life-threatening conditions like bleeding. Additionally, checking personal equipment is a crucial safety procedure, but it is secondary to providing direct care to the patient in need. Therefore, prioritizing patient safety and controlling bleeding is the most effective and vital response in emergency situations.