What Are Tourniquets?
Tourniquets are devices used to control heavy bleeding, especially in emergency situations. They typically consist of a bandage or band, often with a Velcro fastener, wrapped around a limb to stem bleeding.
Using a tourniquet can be challenging, especially when one is injured, as Velcro-fastened bandages may become loose and ineffective. To overcome this, tourniquets are designed with a winding rod and buckle mechanism, enabling one-handed tightening and preventing loosening.
Important considerations include the need for medical supervision when applying and removing tourniquets, and their unsuitability for use on children.
Uses of Tourniquets
An adult’s body contains approximately 1.2 to 1.5 gallons of blood, and losing more than 2 pints can be life-threatening. While direct compression was traditionally the first method used to stop massive bleeding, it may not be sufficient for severe arterial bleeding. In such cases, tourniquets are employed to apply pressure above the injury, controlling the bleeding more effectively. However, incorrect use of tourniquets can cause nerve damage, emphasizing the importance of proper training and application.
Principles of Tourniquets
Tourniquets consist of a band, a buckle, and a winding rod, often supplemented with a securing band and hooks for added stability. Special ring-shaped tourniquets are also available for smaller extremities like fingertips.
To apply a tourniquet, it should be positioned about 2 to 3 inches above the injury, or at the base of the limb if necessary. The band is threaded through the buckle and pulled to engage the locking mechanism. After securing the band, the rod is wound until the bleeding stops, then secured with the hook. Once bleeding is controlled, the excess band is wrapped and secured in place.