Using one of the CoTCCC recommended tourniquets is a safe procedure. Improvised tourniquets are much less effective than commercially available tourniquets such as the CAT, and they are difficult to make and apply without extensive practice.

Caution should always be used when using an improvised tourniquet due to the associated risks.

The risks include:

- Damage to the skin if the band is too narrow
- It may worsen bleeding
- It may not completely control the bleeding
- Like CAT tourniquets, improvised tourniquets can also loosen over time from not being properly secured

If a tourniquet is not available, pack the wound and hold direct pressure over the source of the heaviest bleed, FIRST. If this fails to control the bleeding in an arm or leg, only then consider an improvised tourniquet.

An improvised tourniquet uses other materials on hand. In constructing one, it is recommended that you roll or fold a cravat (or other fairly pliable material) to a width of approximately 1.5 – 2 inches and tighten it with some sort of windlass rod (a straight rod that can be used to twist the material tighter).