When treating a child struck by an automobile with arterial bleeding, what is the first step?

Applying direct pressure to the site of arterial bleeding is the first step in treating a child struck by an automobile. This action is crucial because direct pressure helps to control the bleeding, which can be life-threatening, especially in a pediatric patient. Arterial bleeding is characterized by bright red blood that pulsates with the heartbeat, and it requires immediate treatment to prevent significant blood loss and stabilize the child's condition.

While calling for additional emergency support and assessing other injuries are important steps in the overall management of trauma, the priority must be to control the bleeding first. Administering pain relief medication is also important but typically comes after ensuring that the bleeding is under control. In traumatic situations, particularly with severe bleeding, applying direct pressure is the most critical initial step to prevent the child from going into shock or experiencing further complications related to blood loss.