For an unconscious motor vehicle collision patient on a backboard, what is the priority intervention considering active bleeding from a leg wound?

The priority intervention for an unconscious motor vehicle collision patient with active bleeding from a leg wound is to control the bleeding. In trauma cases, especially when dealing with a potential hemorrhagic shock, managing blood loss is critical to stabilize the patient. Controlling bleeding is essential to prevent further blood loss, maintain perfusion, and reduce the risk of complications such as hypovolemic shock or death.

While securing the airway is paramount in trauma care and is a critical component of the primary survey, in this specific scenario where the patient already has significant bleeding, addressing that bleeding takes precedence. Uncontrolled hemorrhage can quickly lead to reduced blood volume and inadequate organ perfusion, which can be life-threatening.

Administering IV fluids is also important for resuscitation, but it is often done after initial bleeding control. Monitoring vital signs is an essential part of ongoing assessment and care but doesn’t address the immediate need to manage the source of bleeding. Therefore, managing the active hemorrhage in this instance is the most crucial step in providing effective trauma care.