When faced with a conscious patient with a bright red spurting wound, what is the priority action?

In the scenario of a conscious patient with a bright red spurting wound, the priority action is to apply direct pressure to the wound. This approach is crucial because a bright red spurting wound typically indicates a major arterial bleed, which can lead to rapid blood loss and shock. Direct pressure is the most effective method to manage such hemorrhaging, as it helps to control the blood loss by compressing the blood vessels involved.

Applying direct pressure is critical in preventing further complications while additional help or advanced medical intervention is on the way. While ensuring the patient has a patent airway, administering supplemental oxygen, and keeping the patient warm can all be important parts of patient care in trauma situations, immediate action to control the bleeding takes precedence in this case. Addressing the bleeding first stabilizes the patient and optimizes their chances of survival.