What is the correct immediate response for a patient experiencing significant hemorrhaging before transport?

Applying direct pressure to the wound is the correct immediate response for a patient experiencing significant hemorrhaging before transport. Direct pressure is a critical first step in controlling external bleeding, as it helps to stop the blood flow by compressing the vessels and encouraging clot formation at the injury site. This intervention is effective and easy to perform, making it a vital action for any type of traumatic bleeding.

While large volume IV fluids are important in the management of shock or to replace lost fluids, they are not the first step in addressing active hemorrhage. Elevating the legs above the heart may be beneficial in some cases of shock, but it does not directly address the source of bleeding and can even delay the management of the hemorrhage. Using a tourniquet can be appropriate for certain types of severe limb injuries, especially when bleeding is uncontrollable with direct pressure; however, it should not be the first action unless bleeding is life-threatening and localized to a limb. Thus, direct pressure remains the most immediate and appropriate response for managing external bleeding effectively.