What is the first step in assessing the mechanism of injury in MSK trauma patients?

The first step in assessing the mechanism of injury in musculoskeletal trauma patients involves gathering information about the incident. This is crucial because understanding how the injury occurred can provide insights into potential injuries, their severity, and necessary interventions. By obtaining information from bystanders at the scene, healthcare providers can form a clearer picture of the dynamics of the accident, such as the impact forces and the position of the patient at the time of injury. This knowledge is essential for guiding further assessment and treatment.

Considering the other options, documenting all obtained information comes after initial assessment steps, as it’s vital to first gather the data then record it. Assessing for life-threatening injuries is critical but typically focuses on immediate threats to the patient's life rather than the mechanism of injury itself. Conducting a physical examination is also important to determine the extent of injuries present, but without understanding how those injuries were inflicted, it’s challenging to prioritize findings appropriately. All these steps are part of a comprehensive trauma assessment but obtaining the mechanism of injury through bystander input is foundational in developing an effective treatment plan.