How to Apply a Tourniquet

If you have a trauma first aid kit:


For life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg and a tourniquet is available:

Wrap the tourniquet around the bleeding arm or leg about 2 to 3 inches above the bleeding site (be sure NOT to place the tourniquet onto a joint - go above the joint if necessary)

Pull the free end of the tourniquet to make it as tight as possible and secure the free end.

Wrap the tourniquet

Twist or wind the windlass (rod) until bleeding stopsTwist the windlass

Secure the windlass (rod) to keep the tourniquet tight.

Secure the windlass

Note the time the tourniquet was applied.

Note the time

Note: A tourniquet will cause pain but it is necessary to stop life-threatening bleeding.