Quote:
Originally Posted by jorluivil
A tourniquet isn't as easy as it looks, you can save the persons limb or cause them to lose it if it isn't done right.
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you can leave a tourniquet on for up to 6 hrs before loss of limb is a factor (from the tourniquet). however, when applying a tourniquet, loss of life is the larger factor. and unless damage is too severe, loss of limb is minimal. Applying a tournequet is fairly easy, as long as you follow a few simple rules.
1. only apply on arms or legs.
2. no matter where on the arm or leg the wound is, apply high, (nearest the torso) above the wound, and above the elbow or knee.
3. after making tight, ensure it can not loosen on its own.
Other than that 2 things to be aware of are the fact that you place it high as possible because in the shin and foreare there are 2 bones protecting major blood vessels and placement there will not restrict blood flow properly. And the second reason you want it as high above the wound as possible is because vessels are like rubber bands, and when cut will contract back towards the heart. this means the femoral or brachial arteries could contract inside the muscle and above your planned placement of the tourniquet.
Bottom line is if you think you need a tourniquet, apply one. like I said you can leave one on for up to 6 hrs. and once you place it, NEVER take it off. Leave that to surgeons who are trained and have proper equipment to deal with massive hemorrhaging.