What is the first step you should take after assessing and ensuring a coworker's injury is serious with a bleeding wound?

Controlling the bleeding is the most critical immediate response when dealing with a serious injury involving a bleeding wound. When an injury is assessed to be serious, the primary goal is to prevent excessive blood loss, which can lead to shock and other severe complications. Applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage is usually the first step in this process. This action not only helps to slow or stop the bleeding but also allows for proper stabilization of the injury until emergency medical services can take over.

While calling for emergency services is vital in serious injuries, it is essential to first take steps to manage the injury itself. Cleaning the wound and applying a bandage are important as well, but these steps come after initial control of bleeding to ensure that the injured person does not lose critical amounts of blood. Thus, the focus is on immediate action to minimize harm and stabilize the situation.