What should be done when a life-threatening condition is found during the primary assessment?

When a life-threatening condition is identified during the primary assessment, the immediate course of action is to manage the problem without delay. The primary assessment is designed to quickly identify and address any threats to the patient’s life, focusing on critical issues such as airway obstruction, severe bleeding, or significant respiratory distress.

Providing immediate management ensures that the patient's most urgent needs are prioritized, which is essential for their survival and stability. This may involve performing interventions like clearing the airway, administering oxygen, or controlling bleeding.

Addressing life-threatening issues on the spot is in line with the principles of emergency care, which emphasize that timely and decisive action can significantly improve patient outcomes. Other steps, such as moving on to a focused trauma assessment or detailed assessment, are appropriate only after addressing the immediate dangers.