In case of severe limb injury, what should the EMR prioritize?

In the situation of a severe limb injury, the primary focus for an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) must be on controlling bleeding. Severe limb injuries can often result in significant blood loss, which poses a serious threat to the patient's life. Rapid and effective management of bleeding is critical to prevent shock and other life-threatening complications. Controlling bleeding may involve applying direct pressure to the wound, using dressings, or, in some cases, implementing tourniquet techniques if the bleeding is severe and life-threatening.

Although other considerations such as realigning bone fragments, providing pain medication, and applying warm compresses are important aspects of injury management, they take a secondary role to the immediate need to control bleeding. Addressing bleeding first ensures that the most critical threat to the patient's health is managed promptly, increasing their chances of survival and better outcomes in the overall response to the injury.