What essential action should be taken first when providing care to critically injured clients?

In the context of triage and emergency care for critically injured clients, the first essential action is to apply external pressure to stop bleeding. This is critical because uncontrolled bleeding can quickly lead to shock and can be life-threatening within minutes. Ensuring hemostasis is a priority, as it stabilizes the patient and prevents further complications associated with hypovolemic shock.

While assessing vital signs is important for understanding the patient’s overall status, it should follow actions that directly address life-threatening injuries. Administering IV fluids is also vital in a longer-term plan for treatment but relies on having adequate control over bleeding first. Oxygen supplementation is necessary for any patient with suspected respiratory compromise, but if the patient is actively bleeding, stopping that bleed takes precedence to ensure the patient's immediate survival.

Therefore, addressing bleeding through external pressure is the primary step in stabilizing a critically injured patient before progressing to other interventions such as fluid resuscitation, vital sign assessment, and providing oxygen.