How can a tourniquet help in an emergency situation?
Short Answer: When a person is experiencing severe bleeding, it's no exaggeration to say that every second counts. The number one priority when providing first aid in such a situation is to stem the bleeding. The most effective way to stem the bleeding is to apply a tourniquet – a simple device that can literally save a person’s life.
To fully understand how tourniquets can help and why you should add a tourniquet to your first aid kit, we need to take a look at:
● What a tourniquet is and when it should be used,
● The best tourniquets for emergencies,
● The best way to apply a tourniquet in a crisis, and
● Why high-risk workplaces should always have tourniquets.
What is a Tourniquet, and When Should it be Used?
A tourniquet is a medical device that is used to stop or restrict blood flow in a particular area of the body by applying localised pressure. We often use tourniquets when treating severe, life-threatening bleeding from limbs when the bleeding cannot be controlled with direct pressure. In medical terms, it's used to create a “bloodless field” that allows first aiders and medical professionals to work safely without being obstructed by the flow of blood. Since massive blood loss, if not immediately treated, can result in death, a tourniquet quite literally buys much-needed time.
The Best Tourniquets for Emergency Situations
Considering the all-important role that tourniquets have to play during an emergency, you would want the best of the best. At SURVIVAL, you are able to find some of the best tourniquets that money can buy. They include:
● The RAPIDSTOP Tourniquet, and
● The SOF Tactical Tourniquet.
Both of these tourniquets can be safely protected and stored with the SURVIVAL Tourniquet holder. Also, you can find these high-quality tourniquets in our Field & Remote Bundle, as well as the SURVIVAL Trauma First Aid KIT and Ocean Warrior First Aid Kit.
How to Properly Apply a Tourniquet in a Crisis
● Wash your hands and wear protective gloves. This will prevent complications from materialising down the road due to wound contamination. However, if the bleeding is severe and you do not have access to gloves, begin to immediately provide care.
● Thoroughly inspect the patient to find the source of the bleeding. A person may have more than one wound contributing to severe blood loss.
● Place the tourniquet two to three inches above the wound, between the wound and the heart, but never on a joint. You can follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the tourniquet if you have them with you.
● Warn the person that the tightening of the tourniquet can be painful, but it is necessary to stop the bleeding.
● If you are applying a second tourniquet, place it above the first tourniquet, closer to the heart.
● Once the tourniquet has been applied, do not tighten or loosen it without the say-so of a medical professional.
Why High-Risk Workplaces Should Always Have a Tourniquet
Having a first aid kit with a tourniquet is a must for high-risk workplaces such as factories, mines, and construction sites. This is because people are more likely to suffer from severe, life-threatening injuries such as deep cuts and lacerations, crush injuries, and even amputations, which are often followed by severe bleeding.
Also, many high-risk workplaces are usually quite a distance away from the nearest medical facility. In the event a serious injury occurs, a tourniquet will allow first aiders to stop the bleeding, stabilise the patient, and save valuable time until help arrives or the patient can be transported to the nearest treatment facility.
Related Question
Q: How can I learn to use a tourniquet properly?
Many first aid courses offered by recognised training centres would cover how to properly apply a tourniquet during an emergency as part of the course curriculum. Check on the course structure before you sign up to make sure what you are looking for is there.
Conclusion
In emergencies where severe bleeding is involved, every second counts, and a tourniquet can mean the difference between life and death. It is a small addition to your first aid kit, but it's one that can make a huge difference. If you’re looking for top-quality, medical-grade tourniquets or first aid kits with tourniquets in them, check out SURVIVAL. Our kits are the best and are designed to help keep cool in the heat of the moment and effectively respond to any emergency, no matter what it may be.