A tourniquet should only go on limbs, such as arms or legs. Never use a tourniquet on someone’s neck or torso.
If there is someone else present at the scene, ask one person specifically to call 911 while you assess and deal with the wound. If you are in a group, do not simply say, “Someone call 911!” Look at someone directly and say, “You! In the green jacket! Call 911!”
If you have the time and resources, wash your hands or grab medical gloves to help prevent infection or the spread of bloodborne diseases.
For instance, if they are bleeding from their leg, have them lie down with their leg propped up on your lap, a bag, or some other type of support.
If the wound is a shallow cut, then you can apply simple pressure. If there is a puncture wound, a fracture that has resulted in bone breaking out of the skin, a gunshot wound, or other, more traumatic injury, you may need to do more than apply pressure. However, applying pressure should always be your first step.
If the compress becomes soiled with blood, do not remove it. Simply apply an additional compress on top of the soaked one. If you remove the compress, you run the risk of disturbing the blood clots that might have developed over the wound. If the cloth is not soaked and it looks as though the bleeding has stopped on a wound that is not serious, you can lift up the cloth to assess the state of the wound. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Passing out or losing consciousness Dizziness or lightheadedness Weakness or difficulty standing up Enlarged pupils Pale, clammy, and cool skin Rapid pulse or breathing Acting less alert or less aware, a change in how the person responds to questions, or an increase in confusion, fear, or restlessness
Tourniquets can potentially cause serious tissue damage, which is why you should only use one as a last resort.
Tourniquets can potentially cause serious tissue damage, which is why you should only use one as a last resort.
Tourniquets that are applied too loosely can cause the bleeding to get worse. Arterial blood is under higher pressure than other blood in the body, so if the tourniquet is too loose, it may let arterial blood through while blocking other blood. Tourniquets that are released too soon can cause damage to the compressed blood vessels and the bleeding will resume. Tourniquets that are left on too long can damage the nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. As a general rule, permanent damage can result if the tourniquet is left on for more than 1 to 2 hours. Placing tourniquets on the wrong area, such as too far from the wound or on a joint, can be ineffective. Tourniquets, if applied correctly, can be very painful.
Tourniquets that are too narrow or thin can cut into the skin, while wide tourniquets need to be tied very tightly to be effective. Make sure the fabric is not elastic or slippery so it doesn’t move around. You can also use readymade tourniquets or objects such as a belt, necktie, t-shirt, or robe tie. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Do not apply the tourniquet on a joint, such as an elbow or a knee. The blood flow through joints is protected so that it isn’t interrupted when the joint is bent. Instead, try to tie the tourniquet above the elbow or knee joint, in the part of the limb closest to the heart. Also, do not apply it over clothing so it won’t slip once tightened. Arterial blood flow is the blood that will spurt because of the action of the heart pumping. Never tie a tourniquet on any part of the body that isn’t an arm or leg. [15] X Research source
Make sure the winch is smooth so that it doesn’t cut the person or the tourniquet. It can be a stick, smooth metal utensil, pencil, pen, or other long object.
Tourniquets on leg wounds need to be tighter than those on the arms because the blood vessels in the legs are larger. [18] X Research source
Do not remove the tourniquet unless you can apply direct pressure to the wound. If you can, remove the tourniquet carefully, watching for bleeding and signs of shock. If blood is still seeping around the wound, do not remove the tourniquet. [20] X Research source
