Tourniquet Application

When to use a tourniquet

• Severe bleeding from an arm or leg that won't stop with direct pressure
• Blood is pooling, spurting, or soaking through dressings
• You cannot identify the exact wound location (too much blood)
• The person is losing consciousness from blood loss

Do NOT use on the neck, chest, or abdomen.

Application steps

1. Place it high and tight: as high on the limb as possible, close to the groin or armpit
2. Pull the strap tight: as tight as you physically can by hand
3. Turn the windlass (the rod/stick): twist it until the bleeding stops completely
4. Lock the windlass: secure it in the clip or holder so it cannot unwind
5. Note the time: write the time of application on the tourniquet, on their skin with a marker, or on tape. This is critical for medical teams.
6. Do not remove it: once applied, only a medical professional should remove a tourniquet

Improvised tourniquet (no commercial one available)

If you don't have a proper tourniquet:

1. Use a wide strip of cloth (belt, dupatta, torn shirt), at least 3-4cm wide. Wire, rope, or thin string will cut into tissue.
2. Wrap it around the limb, tie a half-knot
3. Place a stick, pen, or spoon on the knot
4. Tie a full knot over the stick
5. Twist the stick until bleeding stops
6. Secure the stick so it doesn't unwind (tie it down with another strip)

Common mistakes

• Too loose: if you can slide a finger under it, it's too loose. It must be painful to be effective.
• Too low: place it high on the limb, not directly over the wound
• Removing it: never loosen or remove a tourniquet in the field
• Too narrow: thin cords and wires cause tissue damage. Use something at least 3cm wide.

After application

• Keep the person warm (cover them, blankets if available)
• Keep the person lying down
• Get to medical help as quickly as possible
• Tell the medical team exactly when the tourniquet was applied