In TCCC, what is the most critical treatment step for a traumatic amputation?

The most critical treatment step for a traumatic amputation is applying a tourniquet. This intervention is vital because traumatic amputations often result in significant blood loss due to injury to major blood vessels. Applying a tourniquet effectively controls bleeding by constricting blood flow to the affected limb, which can be life-saving.

In the context of TCCC, the immediate priority in cases of severe bleeding is to stop the hemorrhage while ensuring that other life-threatening conditions, such as airway obstruction and shock, are also addressed subsequently. Although managing shock and administering fluids can be important in overall trauma management, they do not address the urgent need for hemorrhage control in the case of a traumatic amputation. Hence, applying a tourniquet becomes the paramount action in this situation, as it directly reduces the risk of exsanguination and increases the likelihood of survival until advanced medical care can be provided.