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.
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