When should a tourniquet be used?

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Multiple Choice

When should a tourniquet be used?

Use a tourniquet for life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg when direct pressure does not control the hemorrhage. In trauma care, stopping severe bleeding quickly is the priority, and direct pressure is tried first. If bleeding remains heavy or is not controllable with pressure alone, a tourniquet is the next step to stop arterial flow and prevent exsanguination. It’s not appropriate for minor bleeding or for any limb bleeding that can be managed with simple measures, and it isn’t reserved only for situations when a pressure dressing is unavailable. Apply it proximal to the wound (away from the wound toward the torso), tighten until the bleeding stops, and keep track of the time and distal tissue status.

Use a tourniquet for life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg when direct pressure does not control the hemorrhage. In trauma care, stopping severe bleeding quickly is the priority, and direct pressure is tried first. If bleeding remains heavy or is not controllable with pressure alone, a tourniquet is the next step to stop arterial flow and prevent exsanguination. It’s not appropriate for minor bleeding or for any limb bleeding that can be managed with simple measures, and it isn’t reserved only for situations when a pressure dressing is unavailable. Apply it proximal to the wound (away from the wound toward the torso), tighten until the bleeding stops, and keep track of the time and distal tissue status.

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