You should always try to stop bleeding a applying presure first, a tourniquet should be used as a last resort only:
Tourniquets are tight bands used to control bleeding by completely stopping the blood flow to a wound. Tourniquets have a bad rap in the field of emergency first aid. Complications of tourniquet use have led to severe tissue damage. However, tourniquets can arrest bleeding quite well and are useful in cases of severe leg or arm bleeding that cannot be stopped in any other way.
To make a tourniquet, use a non-stretchy material, such as terry cloth or a triangular bandage, and fold it lengthwise until it's between 1 and 2 inches wide.
Tie the tourniquet around the injured arm or leg, several inches above the injury (the part of the limb closer to the heart). If the injury is below the elbow or knee, you may need to tie the tourniquet above the joint. Use a common square knot (like tying your shoes without the bow).
Place a stick or other item strong enough to act as a windlass (a lever that will twist the tourniquet tighter) on the knot and tie the loose ends of the tourniquet around it in another square knot (see photo)
Anything can be used as a windlass, as long as it is strong enough to hold the tourniquet and can be secured in place. Consider sticks, spoons, or even a piece of pipe.
Twist the windlass to increase the pressure until the bleeding stops. Secure the windlass by tying one or both ends to the victim's arm or leg.
If possible to assist medical help, mark the time the tourniquet was placed by putting a "T" on the victim's forehead with the time/day.
You can buy quick release tourniquet for a few pounds:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&...vpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_3lo6no7g32_e
This is the type I carry
http://www.medibargains.co.uk/tactical-tourniquet-eb1014/
Its Velcro fastened and has a built-in windlass, and is easy enough to apply to yourself if need be. (but not round the neck for a head wound LoL)
Tourniquets are tight bands used to control bleeding by completely stopping the blood flow to a wound. Tourniquets have a bad rap in the field of emergency first aid. Complications of tourniquet use have led to severe tissue damage. However, tourniquets can arrest bleeding quite well and are useful in cases of severe leg or arm bleeding that cannot be stopped in any other way.
To make a tourniquet, use a non-stretchy material, such as terry cloth or a triangular bandage, and fold it lengthwise until it's between 1 and 2 inches wide.
Tie the tourniquet around the injured arm or leg, several inches above the injury (the part of the limb closer to the heart). If the injury is below the elbow or knee, you may need to tie the tourniquet above the joint. Use a common square knot (like tying your shoes without the bow).
Place a stick or other item strong enough to act as a windlass (a lever that will twist the tourniquet tighter) on the knot and tie the loose ends of the tourniquet around it in another square knot (see photo)
Anything can be used as a windlass, as long as it is strong enough to hold the tourniquet and can be secured in place. Consider sticks, spoons, or even a piece of pipe.
Twist the windlass to increase the pressure until the bleeding stops. Secure the windlass by tying one or both ends to the victim's arm or leg.
If possible to assist medical help, mark the time the tourniquet was placed by putting a "T" on the victim's forehead with the time/day.
You can buy quick release tourniquet for a few pounds:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&...vpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_3lo6no7g32_e
This is the type I carry
http://www.medibargains.co.uk/tactical-tourniquet-eb1014/
Its Velcro fastened and has a built-in windlass, and is easy enough to apply to yourself if need be. (but not round the neck for a head wound LoL)
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