If you suspect a person has a life-threatening injury, what is important to do as part of general care?

In situations where a person has a suspected life-threatening injury, it is crucial to keep them in the position they were found in. This approach minimizes further movement or disturbance to the injury, which can prevent additional harm or complications. For instance, if someone has a spinal injury, moving them could exacerbate their condition and potentially lead to paralysis or other serious outcomes.

Maintaining the person's position also allows for better monitoring of their condition as you wait for emergency services. It's important to provide reassurance and keep them calm until professional help arrives, as unnecessary movement could induce shock or worsen their state.

While applying pressure to a bleeding injury can be critical in other contexts, it may not be appropriate for all life-threatening situations, especially if it involves a risk of further injury. Moving someone to safety should also be handled with extreme caution, since it can lead to increased risk of injury. Lastly, keeping someone in a seated position might not be ideal and could lead to complications based on the specific injury.