Tourniquet

Why apply a tourniquet?

Before applying a tourniquet, manual pressure is applied to the wound with a cloth to avoid too much blood loss. When blood loss is too great and pressure is not enough, a tourniquet must be applied. A belt, a cloth or a tie can be used to make a makeshift tourniquet, but there is a risk of loosening. The tourniquet allows for a safe and quick tourniquet if used properly. (Apply with full knowledge of the facts and as a last resort, reserved for exceptional situations).

Why use a tourniquet ?

The function of the tourniquet is to stop the blood flow to avoid too much blood loss, it must be positioned just before the wound to be effective (between the heart and the wound)

Tourniquet arrangement

The tourniquet is tightened with the stick to keep the tourniquet in position. This prevents accidents if the victim is abrupt and struggles. The tourniquet is easy to apply and can be applied with one hand.

Special features of the tourniquet

The tourniquet must be placed at the root of the arm for a hemorrhage of an upper limb and at the root of the thigh for a lower limb.

The tourniquet should be tightened to stop a hemorrhage, but moderately so as not to necrotize the tissue.

The tourniquet must be in place for a maximum of 2 hours to avoid amputation and gangrene; the patient may die if this is not respected.

It is therefore essential to indicate the time of the tourniquet.

The tourniquet should only be removed by a doctor to avoid infection.

The victim must remain lying down to maintain maximum blood flow to the vital organs.