These steps show the proper application of an improvised tourniquet used as a last resort to control life-threatening hemorrhage. Ensure that the tourniquet band material used is at least 2 inches in width, that a sturdy windlass rod of appropriate length is used to ensure adequate tension can be applied and maintained, and that a securing device is used to secure the windlass in place and maintain tension once the bleeding has been stopped and the distal pulse is absent.

A pair of chopsticks as an improvised tourniquet windlass worked better than pencils or craft sticks. (Kragh, 2015)