Before proceeding to the skill station and practicing tourniquet application, it might be helpful to review some of the common errors seen in tourniquet application, so that you can avoid them. These include, but are not limited to:

- Waiting too long to apply the tourniquet or not using one when indicated
- Not removing all of the slack in the strap before tightening the tourniquet
- Not tightening the tourniquet enough to stop bleeding and eliminate the pulse
- Not using a second tourniquet, if needed
- Using a tourniquet when one is not needed
- Putting a tourniquet “high and tight” rather than 2-3 inches above the wound when the bleeding site is clearly visible
- Loosening tourniquets for a period of time to allow recirculation of blood to an injured limb
- Removing a tourniquet prematurely when it is still needed for hemorrhage control
- Placing tourniquets over knee or elbow joints

Remember that tourniquets hurt when applied properly. Communicate this to the casualty while making them aware that it is being done to save their life.