What is the first step in controlling a life-threatening external hemorrhage?

Applying constant, direct pressure is the first and most crucial step in controlling a life-threatening external hemorrhage. This technique is effective for most types of bleeding, as it helps to clot the blood at the site of the injury by promoting the formation of a thrombus, which is essential for stopping the loss of blood.

Direct pressure should be applied with a sterile dressing or cloth, and it must be firm enough to compress the blood vessels without causing additional injury to the tissue. This step can often effectively control bleeding before more advanced interventions, such as applying a tourniquet, are necessary. The importance of establishing direct pressure at the onset cannot be overstated, as it serves to stabilize the situation while additional help or resources are arranged.

While applying a tourniquet is a critical skill for controlling severe bleeding in some circumstances, it is usually not the first step, as it can lead to other complications if not applied correctly. Documenting the time and date or quickly transporting the patient are also important components of patient care, but they should come after immediate control of the bleeding to ensure the patient's stability and safety. Therefore, the application of constant, direct pressure is the most appropriate initial action in managing external hemorrhage.