When treating a wound, what is the primary focus?

The primary focus when treating a wound is controlling bleeding. This is crucial because excessive bleeding can lead to shock and other serious complications which can be life-threatening, especially in wilderness or remote settings where immediate medical help may not be available. By effectively controlling bleeding, you help stabilize the person's condition and prevent further injury or complications.

Once the bleeding is controlled, then other aspects of wound care can be addressed, such as cleaning the wound to prevent infection, applying antibiotics as needed to reduce the risk of infection, and covering the wound to protect it from dirt and bacteria. However, without first ensuring that the bleeding is under control, the risk remains high for severe consequences. Therefore, controlling bleeding takes priority in the wound management process.