Never has one subject being at the helm of debate in first aid than the use of tourniquets. While it’s been proved that tourniquets have saved lives in the military, their use among civilians is still misunderstood.
So what are tourniquets? Tourniquets are tight bands used to stop bleeding from a severe wound. First responders who are trained in emergency first aid use them. However, knowing the right time to use tourniquets and not using them is somehow a challenge for most people.
Even when they are used correctly, complications from tourniquets can lead to severe tissue damage. However, in severe bleeding and life/death emergencies, using a tourniquet properly is an effective way to stop bleeding and save an injured person keeping him stable until he gets to the hospital to receive the proper medical attention.
Most people will probably not find themselves where they need to use any of the tourniquets from sam medical products. Still, if you ever find yourself in such a scenario, understanding how to properly use one may help save someone’s life.
Understanding when to use a tourniquet
If you are an emergency doctor or medical professional, or a first responder, you may have access to tourniquets, but for civilians, it’s improbable that you have one. However, if you don’t have one, you will need to improvise and stop the bleeding. Improvised tourniquets can also be effective, so it’s worth knowing how to make one.
To create an improvised tourniquet, you will need a triangular bandage and anything you can use as a windlass like a stick. You may also use towels, shirts, or belts. Ensure that everything you are planning to use to make the tourniquet is clean. When dealing with open wounds, the risk of infection is high. However, if you have to choose between using something dirty or nothing, then go for the dirty thing because blood loss kills faster than an infection.
Use the cloth to tie around the limb where there is an open wound. Ensure that the cloth you are using is long enough to go round the limb you are trying to stop from bleeding. When using a belt, ensure that you don’t tie too tight to avoid muscle or tissue damage.
How to apply a tourniquet
The first thing you should know is that a tourniquet is not a cure. Using a tourniquet only buys the injured person time before a doctor at the hospital attends to them.
Find the source
Before using the tourniquet, ensure you find the source of the bleeding. In some instances, such as near or entire limb amputation, it’s rather obvious. Still, other injuries may not be visible at first, especially if objects distract your view like wreckage, debris, or clothing.
Try to have the injured person lay flat, so you can assess them quickly and determine the source of the bleeding.
Apply pressure
The fact that someone is bleeding doesn’t automatically mean that the first instinct is to use a tourniquet. Using a tourniquet should be your last resort. The first attempt to stop blood loss should by applying direct pressure to the wound. After applying pressure and noticing that the blood flow is not stopping, you can use the tourniquet.
Remember that tourniquets are only applicable to limb wounds – the arm or leg. It would be impossible to try and use a tourniquet on the torso, head, shoulder, or pelvic region.
If you are dealing with bleeding from areas other than the limbs, immediate and constant pressure to the wound while going to a hospital would be your best option.
Position the tourniquet
You should place the tourniquet two inches above the open wound to stop the bleeding. If this doesn’t work, remove the tourniquet and try placing it a few inches higher up on the limb and never directly on the joint. And tighten it again to see if the blood loss stops.
Ensure you position the tourniquet on the part of the limb closest to the heart; for example, if the wound is below the elbow or knee, place the tourniquet above the joint.
Use a typical square knot, same as tying your shoelaces but without the bow to tie the tourniquet around the limb.
Add the windlass
A windlass is a lever used to twist the tourniquet tighter. Use a stick or any item that is strong enough to act as a windlass. Place the windlass on the knot you’ve created, then tie the tourniquet’s loose ends around it with another square knot.
Twist
Start twisting the windlass to increase the pressure. Ensure you check the bleeding and take note when it slows down. Continue turning the windlass until the bleeding stops or has reduced. Once the bleeding has decreased or stopped, secure the windlass by tying the ends to the injured person’s limb.
How tight should it be?
Ensure that you tie the tourniquet tightly. Most people don’t tie the tourniquet tightly enough. However, it may be hard to gauge how tight you need to tie it, especially since most people would panic in such a situation. It’s better to secure the tourniquet too tight than loose because it aims to stop blood flow.
Time
If the hospital is far from where the accident happened, then it’s advisable to loosen the tourniquet for five minutes in every half hour of it being on. By doing this, you may help prevent nerve damage.
They can only be applied in specific periods, mostly not more than two hours. It’s essential to have a timer to know when you applied the tourniquet.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for too long
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