In trauma care, what must be prioritized immediately after a major injury is assessed?

In trauma care, the immediate priority after assessing a major injury is to control any possible hemorrhage. This is crucial because uncontrolled bleeding can rapidly lead to hypovolemic shock, organ failure, and death. The initial assessment of a trauma patient often uncovers multiple injuries, and the presence of significant hemorrhage is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt intervention.

By focusing on controlling hemorrhage, healthcare providers can stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further complications. This step may involve direct pressure, the application of tourniquets, or surgical intervention as needed. Only once hemorrhage is controlled can the medical team safely proceed with further assessments, such as reassessing injuries or conducting imaging studies, without the immediate risk of losing the patient's life due to blood loss.