Tourniquets
Tourniquets are defined as a device that uses compression or constriction to control arterial and venous blood flow to extremities for a specific amount of time. These devices should be used with the utmost caution as more damage to extremities is a very real possibility. There are all types of tourniquets that can be used or created with everyday household items. They range from just a piece of rubber common to use in the medical field, to combat tourniquets that are utilized by the United States military in war zones across the globe. Some of the types of tourniquets are shown below.
Tourniquet Use
Listed are the steps to use a tourniquet. Keep in mind that anytime a tourniquet is being used, emergency medical technicians must be contacted immediately.
1) Apply the tourniquet to the affected extremity approximately 1-2 inches above the wound, between the injury and the heart.
2) If your tourniquet does not come with a windlass, one can be created using any rigid, stick-like object that can be used as a lever to twist the tourniquet down tighter. This creates pressure on the artery or vein that needs to stop bleeding.
3) Continue to twist your windlass just until the bleeding stops from the effected area.
4) Secure the windlass to the extremity with a bandage or cloth to ensure that the tourniquet remains tight and in place.
5) Lastly, and very importantly, try to mark when the tourniquet was applied to help first responders to know how long it has been on the extremity in question.
1) Apply the tourniquet to the affected extremity approximately 1-2 inches above the wound, between the injury and the heart.
2) If your tourniquet does not come with a windlass, one can be created using any rigid, stick-like object that can be used as a lever to twist the tourniquet down tighter. This creates pressure on the artery or vein that needs to stop bleeding.
3) Continue to twist your windlass just until the bleeding stops from the effected area.
4) Secure the windlass to the extremity with a bandage or cloth to ensure that the tourniquet remains tight and in place.
5) Lastly, and very importantly, try to mark when the tourniquet was applied to help first responders to know how long it has been on the extremity in question.