What should you do while waiting for a tourniquet to arrive for a bleeding wound?

Applying direct pressure to the wound is the recommended action while waiting for a tourniquet to be applied. Direct pressure helps to control bleeding by compressing the blood vessels and provides immediate assistance in managing the flow of blood from the injury. This method is effective because it allows the body's clotting mechanisms to begin working and can significantly reduce the amount of blood lost, which is critical in a serious bleeding situation.

Other methods, such as applying heat to the wound or wrapping it tightly with cloth, may not effectively control severe bleeding and could potentially worsen the situation. Elevating the limb above the heart might not be appropriate in all cases, particularly if there is a possibility of a fracture, as it could cause more harm. Therefore, maintaining direct pressure is crucial and the most immediate and effective response until further medical assistance can be rendered.