The effectiveness of a tourniquet can be assessed by ensuring that bleeding has stopped and by checking for a pulse distally on the limb from where the tourniquet has been applied.  

If bleeding continues or you detect a pulse, tighten the existing tourniquet or apply a second tourniquet next to the first more proximally on the limb.

Because of their effectiveness at hemorrhage control, the speed with which they can be applied, and the lack of a requirement to hold sustained direct pressure on the bleeding site, tourniquets are the best option for temporary control of life-threatening extremity hemorrhage in the tactical environment