How to apply Tourniquets to Stop Bleed ? Stop Bleed Training

Applying a tourniquet is a life-saving skill that can stop emergency bleeding when direct pressure isn’t applicable. Stop bleed training may be needed professionally if there is big bleed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put a tourniquet correctly to save the life at your ease:

When to Use a Tourniquet?

The tourniquet should be used only for life-threatening bleeding from a leg or an arm where direct pressure fails to stop the bleeding.

 Avoid using the tourniquet for small wounds or injuries of the head, neck, and torso. If you get the stop bleed training you will know about this in detail

 Materials Needed to apply tourniquet

 The best is a commercial tourniquet, e.g., CAT  Combat Application Tourniquet.

If a commercial tourniquet is not available, use a strong, wide piece of material (e.g., belt, cloth, or triangular bandage) and a rigid object (e.g., stick or rod) as a windlass.

 Steps to Apply a Tourniquet Properly

1. Identify the Source of Bleeding

 Identify the wounded area, and see if the bleeding is serious (e.g., spurting or bloody pools).

2. Position the Tourniquet

•  Position the tourniquet 23 inches above the wound (closer to the torso).
•  Never place a tourniquet over a joint (elbow or knee).

3. Apply the Tourniquet

 Commercial Tourniquet:

  1. Position the tourniquet around the limb and pass the strap through the buckle.

  2. Ensure that the strap has been tightened by pulling firmly.

  3. Twist the windlass (the rod) until the blood flow has stopped.

  4. Lock the windlass in position using the available clip or Velcro.

  5. Record the time of application (write the time directly on the tourniquet or the patient’s skin if possible).

 Improvised Tourniquet:

  1. Wrap the wide fabric strip around the limb and tie a half knot.

  2. Put the rigid object (e.g., stick) over the half knot and tie a full knot over it.

  3. Twist the rigid object to tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops.

  4. Secure the rigid object in position by tying it to the limb.

4. Check for Effectiveness

 Check if the bleeding has stopped or not.

Apply a tourniquet to stop bleeding – American Redcross

SOme of the Videos for applying tourniquets videos to stop bleeding from open wounds.
 


 Apply Tourniquet – First aid video