Controlling Bleeding: Tourniquets and Hemostatic Dressings Flashcards
What is a tourniquet?
A tourniquet is a device placed around an arm or leg to constrict blood vessels and stop blood flow to a wound.
In some life-threatening circumstances, you may need to use a tourniquet to control bleeding as the first step, instead of maintaining direct pressure over several minutes.
What are some examples of situations where it may be necessary to use a tourniquet?
Examples of situations where it may be necessary to use a tourniquet include:
o There is a large volume or flow of blood from an open wound that is deemed to be life-threatening.
o Severe, life-threatening bleeding that cannot be controlled using direct pressure
o A physical location that makes it impossible to apply direct pressure to control the bleeding (e.g., the injured person or the person’s limb is trapped in a confined space)
o Multiple people with life-threatening injuries who need care
o A scene that is or becomes unsafe
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to apply a tourniquet, a commercially manufactured tourniquet is preferred over a makeshift device.
Although tourniquets may have slightly different designs, all are applied in generally the same way. What are the general steps to apply a tourniquet?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the tourniquet. Although tourniquets may have slightly different designs, all are applied in generally the same way.
To apply a manufactured tourniquet:
- Position the tourniquet on bare skin (if possible) around the wounded extremity approximately 2 inches above the wound, avoiding the joint.
- Inform the patient that they may experience pain as you apply the and tighten the tourniquet. Explain that while painful the tourniquet is being applied to stop life-threatening bleeding
- Secure the tourniquet tightly in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Tighten the tourniquet by twisting the rod (windlass) until the flow of bright red blood stops, and then secure the rod in place.
- Note and record the time that you applied the tourniquet, and give this information to EMS personnel. Once the tourniquet is applied, it should not be removed until the person reaches a healthcare facility.
- If the tourniquet fails to stop the bleeding or life-threatening bleeding resumes, ensure the tourniquet has not loosened. If bleeding continues apply a second tourniquet several inches above the first tourniquet closer to the patient’s torso. Do NOT remove the first tourniquet
If a commercially manufactured tourniquet is not available, what could you use?
If it is necessary to use a tourniquet and a commercially manufactured tourniquet is not available, make a tourniquet using a strip of soft material that is 2 to 4 inches wide (such as a triangular bandage that has been folded into a tie) and a short, sturdy stick or other rigid object.
Tie the stick or other rigid object into the material and twist it to tighten the makeshift tourniquet.
What is a hemostatic dressing?
A hemostatic dressing is a dressing treated with an agent or chemical that speeds clot formation. Chemical composition varies depending on the product.
Hemostatic dressings come in many forms including treated sponges and gauze pads. Hemostatic agents can also be found in powder and granular forms.
When are hemostatic dressings used?
Typically, hemostatic dressings are used on parts of the body where a tourniquet cannot be applied, such as the neck or torso and are likely of greatest use for severe external bleeding:
o In locations where standard bleeding control is not effective,
o When a tourniquet cannot be applied (trunk or junctional areas such as the abdomen or groin,
o When a tourniquet is not available, or
o When a tourniquet is not effective to stop bleeding.
Hemostatic dressing need to be applied at the site of the bleeding and need to be packed deep inside the wound along with direct pressure.
