Let’s review how a tourniquet works and when a tourniquet should be applied.

A tourniquet cuts off the flow of blood to the arm or leg past the application site and is the best method to control massive bleeding from an arm or a leg.

Tourniquets can be self-applied or applied to a casualty using either a one-handed or two-handed technique. These application techniques will be demonstrated and practiced at the skills stations. Self-application of a tourniquet might also save your life.

A tourniquet will hurt when applied correctly, because it must be tight enough to stop the blood flow.

Remember to tell the casualty that pain is expected and is an indicator that the tourniquet is being applied properly (tight enough). The application of a tourniquet to a massive bleed is time-sensitive! The tourniquet should be applied to stop bleeding within 1 minute and be fully secured within 3 minutes. A casualty with massive bleeding that is not controlled can die within 3 minutes!!!

Again, a hasty tourniquet is applied during Care Under Fire/Threat. This type of tourniquet is placed “high and tight” on a casualty’s extremity.

Once the casualty is in a safer position, you should reassess the source of bleeding and the effectiveness of the hasty tourniquet, and reapply if necessary, 2-3 inches above the wound. This is called a “deliberate tourniquet” since its placement is more targeted.

You may need to apply a second tourniquet, if the bleeding is not controlled. Severe bleeding to leg/thigh wounds frequently requires a second tourniquet.