A four-year-old male has severely injured his hand with one finger completely severed and another hanging by a flap of skin. What is your first action?

In this scenario, the most appropriate first action is to apply a dressing over the partially amputated finger. This step is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, applying a dressing helps stabilize the injured finger and minimizes further damage to the surrounding tissues. It also assists in controlling bleeding, as the pressure from the dressing can help reduce blood loss from the injury site.

In cases of severe hand injuries, especially when a finger is amputated or partially amputated, it is essential to ensure that the area is protected and stable before any further actions are taken. By covering the injury properly, you also prepare the child for potential transport to a medical facility, where definitive care can be provided.

Other options, such as reattaching the severed finger, are not immediately feasible steps for you as a first responder and should only be performed by trained medical professionals in a controlled environment. Instant pressure to stop the bleeding is important, but may not be as effective if not followed by adequate dressing. While ensuring a timely transport to a surgery center is critical, it should come after the initial management of the wounds to control bleeding and protect the injury. Therefore, applying a dressing serves as an effective first action in managing the injury.