Which of the following actions should be taken first when treating a patient post-collision with signs of severe leg deformity?

When treating a patient with severe leg deformity post-collision, the first action should emphasize the management of potential life-threatening conditions or complications. In this situation, examining for spinal injuries is critical because of the mechanism of injury that could also affect the spine. Significant trauma often raises concerns about spinal injuries, especially if the impact was severe.

Identifying any spinal injuries is crucial as they can lead to serious complications, including paralysis if not addressed properly. If a spinal injury is suspected, any movement or manipulation of the leg or other body parts could exacerbate the injury, potentially leading to further damage to the spinal cord.

Once spinal injuries are assessed and managed, the medical responder can then proceed to check for distal pulses to ensure circulation to the lower extremity, stabilize the leg with a splint to prevent additional injury, or provide oxygen therapy as needed based on the patient's overall condition. Thus, the initial focus should always be on the most critical injuries that could threaten the patient's overall stability and safety.