A tourniquet is a device that is placed around a bleeding arm or leg that works by compressing large blood vessels (arterial and venous) and stopping blood flow to the injured extremity.

A CoTCCC-recommended limb tourniquet (TQ) should be applied quickly to all wounds that are amenable when ongoing severe bleeding is noted.  Use the casualty’s TQ from their JFAK first. If this is not possible, or more than one tourniquet is needed, then use the next available option such as a TQ from unit mission equipment. Remember that a tourniquet is designed as a one-time-use device. 

Every Soldier should have a new TQ in their JFAK or medical kit. Never deploy with a tourniquet that has been used previously in training, as there is an increased risk of device failure.