A tourniquet is a constricting band placed around an arm or leg to stop bleeding. It is at least 2” wide (or wider, as the extra width reduces tissue damage) and can be applied quickly to stop life-threatening extremity bleeding.

Do not put a tourniquet directly over the knee or elbow or over a holster or cargo pocket that contains bulky items. It should be placed high and tight during CUF, and the time of application should not be documented until the Tactical Field Care phase. Some tourniquets use a windlass device to tighten, while others use a ratchet device, but both can be effective.