You approach a patient and notice a large amount of blood on the ground. The patient appears confused, pale, and diaphoretic. Which one of the following should you do first?

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In an emergency situation with a patient showing signs of confusion, paleness, and diaphoresis, ensuring that the patient's airway is open and clear is the top priority. These symptoms may indicate shock or significant blood loss, leading to potential unconsciousness or respiratory distress. If the airway is compromised, the patient may not be able to breathe adequately, which can lead to further complications or death.

By prioritizing the airway, you are taking initial steps to stabilize the patient's condition, allowing for adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Once the airway is confirmed to be open and clear, other critical interventions, such as calling for emergency backup or controlling bleeding, can be initiated effectively.

Other options, while important, may not address the immediate life-threatening concern of a compromised airway. For example, applying a tourniquet is a vital step for controlling severe bleeding but is secondary to ensuring the airway. Similarly, while calling for emergency backup is crucial, it should follow the immediate assessment of the airway. Performing CPR is only necessary if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, which is not clearly indicated in the initial assessment. Thus, the focus on airway management is essential in this scenario.

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