In an emergency situation, knowing how to apply a tourniquet can be the difference between life and death. Whether it’s an accident in the wilderness, a shooting incident, or even a freak accident at home or work, severe bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable death. In these instances, applying a tourniquet can save someone’s life by stopping blood loss until medical assistance arrives.
This post will take you through how to apply a tourniquet step by step. We will talk about when to use one, what kinds are on the market and how you can be sure that your putting it into an effect correct. There you have it! You are now ready for any emergency situation requiring a tourniquet if need be.
Part 1: So when should you use a tourniquet?
When to use a tourniquetBefore we get into how you actually apply one, first-when should you be using it? Remember that the tourniquet is always a final choice and should be used after trying for control of hemorrhage using other methods like direct pressure, elevation.
Profuse bleeding from an extremity (arms or legs) that will not stop with direct pressure
Guillotine or Traumatic Amputation of an Extremity
Crush Injuries with Uncontrolled Hemorrhage
Urgent, Emergent (requires immediate attention)
Signs that indicate tourniquet application includes when you are experiencing these situations AND have attempted other bleeding control methods, without stemming the blood loss.
Part 2: Tourniquets Available Section
Commercial tourniquets: There are several types of commercial tourniquets on the market, and each has its own specific features. Three most commonly used tourniquets:
CAT – Combat Application Tourniquet
SOFTT (Special Operations Forces Tactical Tourniquet)
RATS (Rapid Application Tourniquet System)
GET TO KNOW THE TURNIQUET YOU HAVE READILY AVAILABLE AND PRACTICE HOW IT WORKS SO THAT IN EVENT, YOUR ABLE PUT IT ON. DIFFERENT TYPES OF TURNIAUETS MAY REQUIRE SLIGHTLY VARING APPLICATION TECHNIQUE FOLLOW BY REMOVAL BUT ALL SHOUKLD BE WELL BELOW TWO HOURS!
SECTION 3: How to Use a Tourniquet THE RIGHT WAY STEP BY STE_GUIDE
The following section is a step by step guide on how to apply a tourniquet using the CAT as an example, which is one of the most common commercially available and issued tourniquets. But keep in mind that the steps may include slight adjustments according to which kind of tourniquet brand you use.
Step #1: Evaluate, Verify and Confirm Tourniquet Necessity
Only use a tourniquet if the injury requires such as rapid assessment because you can immediately see bleeding and other methods – direct pressure, elevation- clearly are not working in that situation.
The Tourniquet should be placed. Step 2
Apply the tourniquet about 2-4 inches above where a laceration/joint lies if possible and applicable. When it comes to extremities with profound impairmentits location cannot be accurately located, then the placement should considered being more proximal than distal in that particular limb.
Step 3: Position the Tourniquet
Put the band through the buckle of a CAT tourniquet, tighten it so you cannot get your fingers under. Make sure that your band is not twisted, as it will affect the quality of work you get done.
Step 4: When No More Blood, Fingers Tightened
Continue to bleed windlass rod competely tight, you may not get full victory against the barrings until you snug this up a bit tighter than initially thought. Remember: Tourniquet application hurts, but it should be tight enough to stop the bleeding.
Step 5: Windlass Rod Retention
After the bleeding stops, use one of your CAT tourniquet ‘s clips or Velcro strap to keep windlass rod is place. This makes sure it does not get loosened up throughout transport or additional treatment.
Step 6: Note the Time
Note the time you applied your tourniquet- this will be vital for providing additional treatment to emergency workers. The vast majority of commercial tourniquets feature an area on the product to write this information down.
Key Takeaway: How To Correctly Apply Tourniquets Can Save Lives
Being able to apply a tourniquet correctly can actually save someones life in critical circumstances with massive bleeding. If you read this step-by-step guide and become familiar with your specific type of tourniquet then you will be better equipped to act quickly if necessary.
Always keep in mind, a tourniquet is for life threatening bleeding where other methods of controlling the bleeds have been tried or deemed ineffective. But when done right, it can be helpful in saving lives as the tourniquet prevents blood loss until help reaches. So invest the time now into learning how to apply a tourniquet and that little piece of knowledge could help save lives in an emergency.
Feel free to share this guide with others who might benefit from instruction on how NOT to apply a tourniquet. We all should be ready for an emergency when it comes calling, so we can in turn help save a life. Stay safe and be prepared!
Even though commercial tourniquets are made to be simple, practicing how to use them is a habit that can really save your life. By doing this you will be able to have the tourniquet apply and it means that there is no hanging nerves or anything close, easily.
If ever applying a tourniquet on some one else, then place them in partial and communicate plainly to calm every client. Inform them what you are doing, and tell them that they are safe.
You should inspect your tourniquets on a regular basis for any visible wear and tear, as well maintain proficiency from lots of application practice.
Once the tourniquet is applied continue to reassess and be ready to loosen or release the tourniquet. It is always crucial to not allow a tourniquet for too long, because it can worsen damage of the limb.
By adhering to the up-to-date information above and remaining vigilant in our education of appropriate tourniquet use, we can create steadier hands when an emergency arises…hands which might otherwise save a life.