Tourniquets: A Crucial Tool for Managing Severe Bleeding

As a first aider or advanced first aider, it's important to be prepared to handle a wide range of emergency situations, including severe bleeding that can be life-threatening if not managed quickly and effectively. Tourniquets are an important tool in the first aider's toolkit for managing severe bleeding in emergency situations. In this blog post, we'll explain what a tourniquet is, why and when we might use one, and how to properly apply one. We'll also cover how to make an improvised tourniquet if a commercial one is not available.

Two first aiders are seen applying a tourniquet to a patient's limb in this image. The first aiders are wearing blue gloves, which are an essential part of their personal protective equipment (PPE) when providing medical care in emergency situations.

What is a tourniquet?

A tourniquet is a device used to control bleeding from a limb, typically a long bone. It can be made of a variety of materials such as fabric, rubber or nylon. Modern tourniquets are typically designed to be self-administered and easy to use in high-pressure situations, making them a valuable tool for first aiders and other medical professionals.

When is using a tourniquet warranted?

Tourniquets are used in emergency situations where a person is experiencing a life threatening bleed that cannot be controlled through other means, such as direct pressure. Indication for the use of tourniquet includes soaking through multiple dressings with no slow of blood loss.

It is important to remember that a tourniquet is a last resort and should only be used when direct pressure and other measures have failed to control bleeding.

How does it work?

The tourniquet works by compressing the blood vessels in the limb, which reduces or stops the flow of blood to the area below the device. This helps to prevent further blood loss and can save the patient's life.

Tourniquet application

When applying a tourniquet, it's important to locate the injury and apply the tourniquet at least 2 inches above the injury site or joint. This will ensure that the tourniquet is applied to the correct location and will effectively control the bleeding.

Once the tourniquet is in place, it must be tightened until the blood flow dramatically lessens or stops completely. It's important to monitor the patient closely and record the time the tourniquet was applied. If possible, mark the tourniquet with the time it was applied.

In some cases, multiple tourniquets may need to be applied to control severe bleeding. This may be necessary if the bleeding is occurring in multiple locations or if a single tourniquet is not effective in stopping the bleeding. After a tourniquet is applied it must not be removed.

Removing a tourniquet

Once a tourniquet is applied, it is important not to remove it until medical professionals can take over. Removing a tourniquet prematurely can cause the bleeding to resume and lead to further injury or even death. Instead, note the time that the tourniquet was applied and communicate this information to medical professionals when they arrive on the scene.

Improvised tourniquet

When a commercial tourniquet is unavailable you can create your own with simple everyday items. One method of creating an improvised tourniquet involves using a bandana, scarf, or strip of fabric. The fabric should be about two inches wide and long enough to wrap around the limb at least twice. Place the fabric around the limb, above the wound, and tie a knot to create a loose loop. Then, tie a second knot on top of the first, and continue tying knots until the fabric is snug and there is no more bleeding from the wound. Use a stick or similar object to tighten the knot by twisting it, until the fabric is tight enough to stop the bleeding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tourniquets are an important tool in managing severe bleeding in emergency situations. As a first aider or advanced first aider, it's important to be prepared to use a tourniquet effectively and efficiently in emergency situations. By understanding what a tourniquet is, why and when we might use one, and how to properly apply one, we can help save lives and prevent further injury.

Training opportunities

At Delta Emergency Support Training, we understand the importance of being prepared for emergency situation. We offer a range of training sessions to help individuals and classes develop the skills and knowledge they need to respond to emergency situations. Our courses include Standard First Aid (SFA), Advanced First Aid (AFA), and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and we offer in-person, hybrid, and online options to suit different needs.

If you have any questions about our training sessions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@deltaemergency.com and we'll be happy to assist you.