How to use a tourniquet correctly?

Content

1. Features of haemostatic tourniquets
2. The importance of applying the tourniquet correctly
3. Step-by-step instructions for using the tourniquet harness
4. Check the turnstile harness
5. Find the right place to apply the tourniquet
6. Prepare the patient
7. Place the turnstile harness
8. Tighten the harness
9. Fix the turnstile
10. Record the time of application
11. Consult a medical professional
12. Tips for proper storage of tourniquets
13. FAQ
14. How to use the tourniquet harness safely and effectively?
15. Is training required to use the tourniquet harness?
16. Are there any risks of using a tourniquet harness?

The Tourniquet is a modern, compact and highly effective means of stopping bleeding of any type and intensity. It is ideal for use in home, outpatient and military field conditions. The tourniquet is a strap with a special carabiner for adjusting the tightness.

Find out more about the types of tourniquets in our article ‘Types and benefits of tourniquets’.

A tourniquet is a means of temporarily stopping bleeding from the main vessels by circularly clamping the limb and compressing its tissues (primarily blood vessels).

Source: Wikipedia

The Velcro fastening allows the tourniquets to be used even in emergency situations with one hand and can be used in any weather. In addition, the tourniquet has passed a successful sanitary and epidemiological examination and is registered as a medical device in the State Service's database of medicines.

Features of haemostatic tourniquets

The tourniquet is used to provide first aid for temporary cessation of bleeding from the vessels of the extremities.

The tourniquet is designed to completely stop bleeding from the damaged artery. The main criterion for the correct application of the tourniquet to the limb is the absence of a pulse below the application site or complete cessation of bleeding. If the pulse is still present below the tourniquet, and there is bruising and swelling of the limb, it means that the tourniquet is not tight enough and needs to be removed and readjusted immediately with pulse monitoring. Otherwise, serious consequences can occur, such as amputation or death.

It is important that the tourniquet does not injure arteries, nerves and underlying tissues. This can happen if the tourniquet is excessively compressed or if metal or plastic fasteners are used in the tourniquet design.

Another important feature of the tourniquet is that it can be used in all climatic conditions and in all lighting conditions. It should also be able to be applied to bare skin and removed quickly and easily. To maintain hygiene, the tourniquet should be easy to clean from dirt and blood.

The disadvantage of rubber tourniquets wound on vending machines is that they can lose their properties from constant exposure to the sun or cold and therefore tear. Accordingly, their use for long periods is not reliable. The best option is to store the tourniquet with the ring turned up and place it in a convenient place where it can be easily found when needed, such as in a belt pouch or first aid kit. It is also important that more people are trained to use the tourniquet, as there may be situations where strangers can help provide first aid and save lives.

The importance of applying the tourniquet correctly

Tourniquet application is one of the main methods of stopping massive bleeding on the extremities. It is most effective in arterial bleeding. The use of this method should be known to every person both for self-help and for helping others.

Step-by-step instructions for using the tourniquet harness

The use of a tourniquet is a critical skill in first aid for massive bleeding on the extremities. In situations where emergency medical care may not be available, the ability to apply a tourniquet correctly becomes vital. In this article, tacmed.ua provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use a tourniquet effectively.

Check the turnstile harness

First of all, before using the turnstile harness, carefully check it for damage, tears or other defects. This can be determined by visual inspection of the harness. Damage may prevent proper fixation and adjustment, resulting in incorrect tourniquet application and inadequate bleeding control.

Pay attention to the tourniquet locking and adjustment mechanisms. They must work without jamming and loss of functionality. Test them before use to make sure they function properly.

It is also important to check the condition of the Velcro tape and fasteners. They must be reliable and free of any signs of damage, which ensures proper fixation of the turnstile on the limb and prevents its accidental release.

To maintain the effectiveness of the turnstile harness, it must be properly stored and maintained. Store it in a dry place and out of direct sunlight. Periodically check the tourniquet for signs of deterioration and carry out the necessary maintenance.

Before each use of the tourniquet tourniquet, check it thoroughly and control the time of application, as prolonged pressure can adversely affect blood circulation in the injured limb. Write down the time of application on the Velcro to determine the maximum allowable period after which the tourniquet must be removed to restore blood circulation.

Thus, make sure that the tourniquet is in good condition before applying it to ensure effective bleeding control and to assist the victim at a critical time.

Find the right place to apply the tourniquet

Before applying the tourniquet, identify the exact location of the artery that needs to be stopped from bleeding. This can be done by finding the pulse on the bleeding limb. Arteries are usually closer to the surface of the body and can be felt under the skin. You should look for a pulse in the area where you plan to apply the tourniquet or the ability to feel a pulse in the immediate vicinity.

Avoid areas with large bones or wounds where the tourniquet may not be securely fixed. It is better to choose soft areas of the body with a sufficiently smooth surface where the tourniquet can be securely fixed and provide effective pressure on the artery.

Remember that choosing the right place to apply the tourniquet will help to avoid incorrect application and ensure effective bleeding control. Applying a tourniquet at a critical time can help save lives, so conscious and accurate application is crucial.

Prepare the patient

Proper preparation of the patient before applying a tourniquet is an important step in successfully stopping bleeding and providing effective first aid. Following some simple steps will help ensure the patient's safety and comfort during the procedure.

1. Provide the patient with a comfortable position for tourniquet application. Choose an area with the fewest obstacles to allow the patient to position themselves comfortably and allow you to apply the tourniquet with ease. Remember that the faster and more accurately you can apply the tourniquet, the more effective the bleeding control will be.
2. Warn the patient that the tourniquet will compress the tissue and may cause discomfort. It is important to make the patient aware of the procedure and its implications so that they understand the need for a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. Reassure the patient that the tourniquet will be applied as soon as possible and that the procedure will be as painless and safe as possible.
3. Take into account the patient's limitations and characteristics. If the patient has any limitations or other characteristics that may complicate the tourniquet application procedure, consider these issues in advance and find the best approach to ensure effective bleeding control.

Proper preparation of the patient before applying the tourniquet will help ensure a successful and effective tourniquet application procedure, as well as keep the patient comfortable and safe during first aid.

Place the turnstile harness

Before applying the tourniquet, there are some steps to follow to ensure correct placement and maximum effectiveness of the procedure.

• Wrap the tourniquet around the end of the limb, closer to the body.
• Begin by placing the tourniquet on a soft area of the body where it can be securely fastened.
• Ensure that the tourniquet fits properly over the limb end segment and that it is in close contact with the skin.
• Thread the tourniquet under the limb and bring it out on the outside of the limb.
• Create a loop in the tourniquet by passing it under the limb and bringing it out on the outside of the limb segment.
• Ensure that the tourniquet does not cross or form knots that could make the application procedure difficult.

Pay attention to the accuracy and adherence to the steps during application to maximise patient protection and ensure prompt medical care.

Tighten the harness

Before tightening the tourniquet, there are a few important things to understand.

1. Stretch the tourniquet so that it pulls the tissue together but does not pinch bone or nerves. Determine the correct place to apply the tourniquet and make sure that the tourniquet is over the artery to be stopped. Tighten the tourniquet enough to stop the bleeding but not to pinch the bone or nerves, which could cause additional injury.
2. The tourniquet should be tight enough to stop the bleeding, but not too tight to cause further injury. Do not overtighten the tourniquet as this can lead to poor circulation and even tissue necrosis. Pay attention to the patient's condition and reaction to the tourniquet to ensure optimal pressure is applied.

Fix the turnstile

Follow the recommendations and best practices when securing a tourniquet to ensure successful recovery and recovery of the victim.

• Tie the tourniquet in a secure knot or use the special securing mechanism provided with the tourniquet. When applying the tourniquet, make sure that it is secured with a secure knot or a special securing mechanism. Take into account the design features of the tourniquet to ensure maximum stability and reliability of the tourniquet.
• Check that the tourniquet is securely fastened to prevent it from loosening on its own during treatment. Periodically check the tourniquet's position and make sure that it does not move or unwind during treatment of the injured limb.

Record the time of application

Recording the time will help avoid excessive pressure on the tissues and possible complications.

1. Take a notebook or a special form for recording medical data. Before applying the tourniquet, have paper and a pen ready to record the time of application.
2. Record the exact time the tourniquet was applied to the limb. Pay attention to the hours and minutes so that you have an accurate record of the tourniquet application time.

Consult a medical professional

However, once the tourniquet is applied, it is very important to see a medical professional as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment.

• Do not delay in seeking medical attention. After applying the tourniquet, contact a medical professional immediately or use emergency medical services.
• A medical professional will assess the injured limb, check the effectiveness of the tourniquet and prescribe appropriate treatment. Seeing a specialist ensures that you receive the right care and assistance for a speedy recovery.

Remember that a tourniquet tourniquet is only a temporary measure to stop bleeding. To avoid possible complications and to ensure optimal treatment, contact a medical professional as soon as possible after tourniquet application. Timely medical attention is key to successful recovery and healing.

Tips for proper storage of tourniquets

A tourniquet is an important bleeding control tool that can be vital in first aid for injuries. Once a tourniquet is used, proper storage is key to ensuring its effectiveness for repeated use. Here are some tips for proper tourniquet storage:

1. Clean the tourniquet thoroughly before storing it. After using the tourniquet, make sure that you thoroughly clean it from dirt, blood, and other contaminants. Use a soft cloth or tissue lightly dampened with soapy water to gently remove any dirt.
2. Check the tourniquet for damage. Before storing the tourniquet, carefully inspect it for damage, tears, or defects. If you notice any damage, do not reuse the harness, but discard it or replace it with a new one.
3. Store the harness in a dry and cool place. To keep the tourniquet in optimal condition, keep in mind the correct storage location. Avoid direct sunlight and humidity, as this may adversely affect the tourniquet material.
4. Use special containers or packaging. If you have a special container or packaging for storing tourniquets, use it. This will help keep it clean and protect it from external factors.
5. Check the expiration date periodically. Tourniquets have a limited shelf life, usually indicated by the manufacturer. Check the expiry date of the tourniquet and make sure you do not use it after the expiry date.

Following these simple tips will help keep your tourniquet tourniquet in a ready-to-use condition, ensuring efficiency and reliability when reused. Remember that keeping your tourniquet in good condition is the key to safety and success in first aid.

FAQ

How to use the tourniquet harness safely and effectively?

Before using the turnstile, check the condition of the turnstile for damage. Learn how to put it on correctly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid overloading the turnstile and use it within the recommended load limits. Be aware of the risks, such as possible injuries and circulatory hazards, and follow the safety instructions.

Is training required to use the tourniquet harness?

Thus, before using the tourniquet harness for the first time, it is necessary to receive training from qualified instructors. The training will help you learn the proper use, safety precautions and limitations of the turnstile.

Are there any risks of using a tourniquet harness?

For example, the use of a turnstile harness carries risks such as possible injury, circulatory hazards and the possibility of damage to the turnstile if used incorrectly or overloaded. Proper training and adherence to safety rules will help reduce these risks.