A tourniquet is a device used to stop a massive bleeding on victims with an external hemorrhage on a limb. To facilitate its use, it has been designed so that it is quick and convenient to install in the event of an emergency.
What is a Tourniquet?
The tourniquet or tactical tourniquet is a tool to stop bleeding. A tourniquet is made of a strap that you can wrap around the injured person's arm or leg and a straight, stick-like object called windlass. The windlass is used to tighten the tourniquet. Once efficiently tighten, the windlass must be locked in the clip. If applied correctly, a tourniquet should stop the bleeding.
If you apply the tourniquet correctly, it will cause pain as it stops the bleeding.
When should a tourniquet be used?
The tourniquet is recommended in the event of significant loss of blood on one arm or leg. It is therefore recommended as a last resort if direct pressure and a compression bandage is ineffective or impossible. For information, the Combat Application Tourniquet or tourniquet tourniquet C.A.T is the one used by armies in their military intervention.
You should make sure you call your local emergency number and get an AED, if available, because uncontrolled bleeding can lead to more complications.
Once you have the tourniquet in place, note the time and leave it alone until someone with more advanced training arrives and takes over.
Actions to Apply a Premade Tourniquet
Follow these first aid action steps to apply a premade tourniquet from your first aid kit:
- Make sure the scene is safe
- Phone your local emergency number and get the first aid kit (if you do not already have it) and an AED.
- Wear PPE
- Place the tourniquet about 5 cm above the injury if possible
- Tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops
- Note what time the tourniquet was placed on the body
- Once you have the tourniquet in place and the bleeding has stopped, leave it alone until someone with more advanced training arrives and takes over.
You can learn how to apply a tourniquet with us and join our American Heart Association® First Aid CPR AED course.
Special Considerations
It is strictly forbidden to remove the tourniquet. This act is reserved for healthcare professionals. Indeed, once the tension of the tourniquet is released, the various toxins accumulated in the injured limb are immediately released into the body at the risk of worsening the victim's condition.
You should know that this medical equipment must be removed within two or three hours after its application, otherwise nerve damage will form, risking paralysis of the limb. To avoid this accident, it is necessary to write the time of application on the security strap. be indicated.
Moreover, it is important that this medical equipment be seen by all so that it is not forgotten. Note that it is very important to always lay the victim down so as not to cut off all blood circulation. With this position, the body can still allow circulation of the remaining blood mass which can then continue to flow back to the vital organs.
Where can you find your tourniquet?
We supply combat application tourniquet in our store.