If you discover a patient who is bleeding profusely, unconscious, and not breathing, what is your first priority?

In a situation where you find a patient who is unconscious and not breathing, the immediate priority is to ensure that the airway is clear and that breathing is established. This is crucial because an unconscious person may have compromised airway protection, leading to asphyxiation due to the tongue blocking the throat or the potential for vomit or blood to obstruct the airway.

By clearing the airway, you can potentially initiate rescue breathing, which is essential to provide oxygen to the brain and vital organs. If the airway is not addressed first, attempts to control bleeding or perform other interventions may be ineffective, as the lack of breathing impairs oxygen delivery to the body and brain.

Calling emergency services is also important, but it typically follows the immediate need to address the vital functions of airway and breathing first, especially in a life-threatening situation. Control of bleeding is critical but becomes secondary in the context of an unresponsive patient without breathing. Checking responsiveness is less crucial because the patient is already unresponsive, and swift action on airway management is vital to improve chances of survival.