When should you apply a tourniquet?

Applying a tourniquet is appropriate when you cannot control severe bleeding through direct pressure or other less invasive means. In situations where direct pressure fails to stop the blood flow from a significant limb injury, a tourniquet can be a lifesaving intervention. It creates a tight constriction around the limb, effectively occluding the blood vessels and preventing further blood loss.

Using a tourniquet is not warranted when bleeding can be controlled with direct pressure, as direct pressure is typically the first line of management for bleeding. Applying a tourniquet to a minor wound can lead to complications such as tissue damage and should be avoided in such cases. Furthermore, when the person is conscious, their ability to communicate and understand instructions might be compromised if they are experiencing severe trauma, making a situation where a tourniquet is necessary the priority. Therefore, restricting the use of a tourniquet to scenarios where direct pressure is ineffective underscores its significance as a critical intervention in severe bleeding emergencies.