What is one of the first things to check after an acute injury to assess damage?

After an acute injury, assessing circulation is one of the first priorities because it directly impacts the viability of tissues and the overall healing process. Checking circulation involves evaluating blood flow to the area of injury, which can be critical in determining if there is any significant vascular damage. This assessment includes looking for signs such as pulse presence, skin color, and temperature of the affected limb.

If circulation is compromised, it can lead to more severe complications, including tissue death. Thus, ensuring that blood is reaching the area can help inform further treatment decisions and any necessary interventions.

Range of motion, swelling, and strength are also important assessments but come after ensuring that circulation is intact. They provide valuable information about the function and structural integrity of the injury site, but without adequate circulation, these evaluations may be less relevant.