While waiting for a tourniquet, what is the best action for someone with life-threatening bleeding from their arm?

Applying direct pressure is the best action for someone experiencing life-threatening bleeding from their arm. This technique is effective because it helps to reduce blood flow from the wound by compressing the blood vessels and promoting clot formation. Direct pressure should be applied firmly and steadily to the site of the bleeding. It is crucial to maintain this pressure until a tourniquet can be applied, or until emergency medical services arrive and can take over.

In contrast, elevating the arm may assist in reducing blood flow to some extent, but it is less effective than direct pressure alone, especially in a severe bleeding situation. Applying ice can help with swelling and pain during other types of injuries, but it does not effectively control active bleeding. Using a dressing to cover the wound might be a component of care, but if it is not accompanied by direct pressure, it won't be sufficient to stop the bleeding. Therefore, direct pressure remains the priority action in managing life-threatening bleeding.