Applying 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.

After wrapping a tourniquet around a wounded leg, the person applying the tourniquet pulls one end free.

Twist or wind the windlass (rod) until bleeding stops.

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

The person applying the tourniquet pulls the windlass (a small plastic bar) tight, until the bleeding stops.

Note the time the tourniquet was applied.

An example time of 11:34 written on a small blank paper attached to the tourniquet with sharpie.

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