A 30-year-old patient has a stab wound to the left forearm that is bleeding profusely.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

Thefirst step in hemorrhage controlfor external bleeding is alwaysdirect pressureusing gloved hands or dressing. Only if this fails or the bleeding issevere and life-threatening(especially from extremities) should atourniquetbe applied.

Assessing the airway is critical in overall trauma care but not thefirst priorityin isolated extremity hemorrhage. Severity assessment is secondary tobleeding control.