Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

In terms of bleeding control, what is the first step?

1. Protect yourself

2. Apply a tourniquet

3. Soothe the casualty

4. Cleansing the wound

The correct answer is: Protect yourself

The first step in bleeding control is to protect yourself. This is crucial because ensuring your own safety allows you to effectively assist the casualty. If you don't take measures to protect yourself, you risk becoming a victim in the situation, which could worsen outcomes for both you and the casualty. After ensuring your safety, you can then proceed with other steps such as applying pressure to the wound or using a tourniquet if necessary. Soothe the casualty and cleansing the wound come later in the process; your priority must always be to ensure that the environment is safe before attending to the injured person. This foundational principle aligns with basic first aid practices, emphasizing the importance of personal safety in emergency response.