Tourniquet Use: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Tourniquet (PSF).png|thumb|431x431px]] | [[File:Tourniquet (PSF).png|thumb|431x431px]] | ||
* | |||
* ''' | === Required Materials (Improvised): === | ||
* ''' | |||
* Optional: | * '''Rod or sturdy object''' (e.g., screwdriver, wooden stick, pen without casing – must be strong and unbreakable) | ||
* '''Strong strap or fabric strip''' (e.g., scarf, belt, long piece of fabric, tubular bandage, strip of T-shirt) | |||
* '''Optional:''' Cord, string, or tape to secure the rod | |||
---- | ---- | ||
=== | === 🛠️ Instructions: How to Apply a DIY Tourniquet === | ||
==== 1. | ==== 1. Choose the correct location: ==== | ||
* | * Use '''only for life-threatening bleeding''' on arms or legs. | ||
* | * Apply the tourniquet '''at least 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) above the wound''' – '''never directly over a joint!''' | ||
==== 2. | ==== 2. Wrap the band around the limb: ==== | ||
* | * Wrap the band (fabric strip or belt) '''tightly around the limb'''. | ||
* | * Pull it as tight as possible and tie a '''simple knot'''. | ||
==== 3. | ==== 3. Insert the rod (windlass): ==== | ||
* | * Place the '''rod on top of the knot'''. | ||
* | * Tie another knot '''over the rod''' to secure it in place. | ||
==== 4. | ==== 4. Twist the rod until the bleeding stops: ==== | ||
* | * Twist the rod to '''increase pressure''' on the limb. | ||
* ''' | * Keep twisting until the '''bleeding significantly slows or stops'''. | ||
* | * This will be painful – but it is necessary to save a life. | ||
==== 5. | ==== 5. Secure the rod: ==== | ||
* | * Once the bleeding has stopped, '''secure the rod''' in place using string, another strap, or by tucking it into the band. | ||
==== 6. | ==== 6. Note the time: ==== | ||
* ''' | * '''Write down the time''' the tourniquet was applied (e.g., on the patient’s skin or clothing). | ||
* | * A tourniquet '''should not stay on for more than 1–2 hours''' – only longer in absolute emergencies. | ||
---- | |||
=== ⚠️ Important Notes: === | |||
* | * Tourniquets are a '''last resort''' for '''severe arterial bleeding''' when direct pressure and pressure dressings are not enough. | ||
* Improper use can lead to '''nerve damage or tissue loss''' – use '''only in real emergencies'''. | |||
Revision as of 16:30, 7 May 2025

Required Materials (Improvised):
- Rod or sturdy object (e.g., screwdriver, wooden stick, pen without casing – must be strong and unbreakable)
- Strong strap or fabric strip (e.g., scarf, belt, long piece of fabric, tubular bandage, strip of T-shirt)
- Optional: Cord, string, or tape to secure the rod
🛠️ Instructions: How to Apply a DIY Tourniquet
1. Choose the correct location:
- Use only for life-threatening bleeding on arms or legs.
- Apply the tourniquet at least 5–7 cm (2–3 inches) above the wound – never directly over a joint!
2. Wrap the band around the limb:
- Wrap the band (fabric strip or belt) tightly around the limb.
- Pull it as tight as possible and tie a simple knot.
3. Insert the rod (windlass):
- Place the rod on top of the knot.
- Tie another knot over the rod to secure it in place.
4. Twist the rod until the bleeding stops:
- Twist the rod to increase pressure on the limb.
- Keep twisting until the bleeding significantly slows or stops.
- This will be painful – but it is necessary to save a life.
5. Secure the rod:
- Once the bleeding has stopped, secure the rod in place using string, another strap, or by tucking it into the band.
6. Note the time:
- Write down the time the tourniquet was applied (e.g., on the patient’s skin or clothing).
- A tourniquet should not stay on for more than 1–2 hours – only longer in absolute emergencies.
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Tourniquets are a last resort for severe arterial bleeding when direct pressure and pressure dressings are not enough.
- Improper use can lead to nerve damage or tissue loss – use only in real emergencies.