What is the immediate action to take for a patient exhibiting severe bleeding?

When a patient is exhibiting severe bleeding, applying direct pressure to the wound is the most critical and immediate action. This technique helps to control the blood loss by promoting clotting at the site of the injury. The pressure can either be applied directly with a sterile dressing or, if that's not available, with a clean cloth or even your hand.

By stopping or slowing the bleeding, you can effectively minimize the risk of shock and other serious complications. It's essential to maintain this pressure until advanced medical help arrives or the bleeding is controlled.

While calling for backup is important in emergency situations, the priority is to manage the bleeding first. Elevating the legs can be beneficial in managing shock but should not replace the need for direct pressure on the wound. Inspecting for fractures, while useful in a comprehensive assessment, is not as urgent as addressing severe bleeding. Immediate action in this context must focus on controlling blood loss to save the patient’s life.