What should you do first if a casualty is suffering from severe external bleeding?

When dealing with a casualty suffering from severe external bleeding, the first priority is to stop the flow of blood. This is crucial because severe bleeding can lead to shock or even death if not addressed immediately. Applying direct pressure to the wound is essential in this situation. By stopping the blood flow, you can minimize the risk of further complications and stabilize the casualty while waiting for additional help.

While calling for help is also important, and dressing the wound can provide further management of the situation, these actions should follow the immediate need to control the bleeding. Raising the injured limb might be beneficial in some cases, but only after the bleeding is controlled, as attempting to raise an injured limb without first stopping the bleeding could exacerbate the situation. Prioritizing the control of bleeding ensures that critical blood loss is addressed first, which is vital for the casualty's survival.