Tourniquet

A tourniquet is a tightly tied band applied around a body part (an arm or a leg) in an attempt to stop severe traumatic bleeding. Severe bleeding means the loss of more than 1,000 ml (1 liter) of blood. This flow of blood can soak a paper or cloth hankerchief in a few seconds. In such a situation, the bleeding will cause the death of the casualty in seconds to minutes.

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Other methods that should be applied first and in conjunction, if possible, include:

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• direct pressure
• elevation of the limb or wound above the heart
• the use of a pressure point to slow the artery above the injury
• blood-clotting agents or bandages

Even in cases of amputation, most bleeding can be controlled through these alternative methods. The rare exception is when a limb is shattered by massive trauma or when a major blood vessel is torn along its length. Even in these cases, the use of a pressure point above the wound (i.e. proximal to the wound), or application by a doctor of an hemostat, to clamp the blood vessel above the tear is strongly preferred.

Related Topics:
Amputation - Trauma - Pressure point - Hemostat

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The use of tourniquets is taught to emergency medical technicians including combat lifesavers, and as a part of military first aid in basic training. It is also part of the French basic first aid courses (for bystanders).

Related Topics:
Emergency medical technician - Combat lifesaver - Basic training

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A tourniquet is a last resort method of bleeding control.

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Tourniquets are also used during some orthopedic surgeries to allow the surgeon to work in a bloodless field. When used this way the duration of application and pressure of the tourniquet are carefully monitored. Under these well controlled conditions complications from the tourniquet are rare.

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Tourniquet: Risks of a tourniquet ►