What action should be taken first if signs of life-threatening bleeding are present?

When dealing with life-threatening bleeding, the immediate response is to apply direct pressure to the wound. This action serves as the most effective method to control bleeding, as it helps compress the blood vessels and promotes clot formation at the site of injury. Direct pressure can prevent further blood loss, which is critical in preventing shock and ensuring the victim has the best chance of survival.

In emergency situations, time is of the essence, and stopping the bleeding should be prioritized over other actions, such as administering oxygen, which is important for overall treatment but not the immediate solution to a bleeding wound. Checking vital signs is also valuable in assessing a patient's condition but should follow the urgent need to control bleeding. While calling for additional medical support is essential, it should ideally be done simultaneously or just after applying pressure, as controlling the bleeding is the most urgent intervention for the victim's immediate safety.