What is the priority when helping a person who has excessive bleeding from a deep wound?

The priority when assisting a person with excessive bleeding from a deep wound is to apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. This action is crucial because controlling hemorrhage is essential to prevent further blood loss, which can lead to shock or even death. Direct pressure helps to constrict the blood vessels, promoting clot formation at the site of the wound, and is the most effective immediate intervention to manage severe bleeding.

While monitoring vital signs, providing fluids, and checking for signs of shock are important aspects of care in a broader context, they do not address the immediate threat posed by uncontrolled bleeding. If bleeding continues, it can lead to a rapid decline in the patient's condition, making direct pressure the first and most critical step in the response.