What should we pay attention to when using a tourniquet to stop bleeding for the wounded?

When people encounter accidental injuries or traffic accidents, it is inevitable that bleeding will not stop. At this time, it is necessary to use a tourniquet to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. So what should be paid attention to when using a tourniquet to stop bleeding for the injured? If the correct method of use is not mastered, it is easy to put life in danger. Whether it is heavy bleeding or obstruction of blood circulation, it will cause varying degrees of harm and even endanger life.

Tourniquet hemostasis is a simple and effective method of hemostasis used in first aid for severe bleeding in the limbs. It achieves the purpose of hemostasis by compressing blood vessels and blocking blood flow. However, if used improperly or for too long, a tourniquet can cause ischemia and necrosis of the distal limbs, leading to disability. For this reason, a tourniquet should only be used when bleeding is severe and other methods cannot stop the bleeding.

It is better to use a rubber strip or rubber tube as a tourniquet. It is not advisable to use inelastic belts such as cloth belts and electric wires. The bandage should be placed above the wound (proximal end) and as close to the wound as possible, preferably on the upper 1/3 of the upper arm and the upper middle thigh. Tourniquets should not be placed on the calf and forearm because there are two bones there and the blood vessels run right between the two bones. The tourniquet will not compress the blood vessels. A tourniquet should not be placed on the middle 1/3 of the upper arm because it may cause nerve damage and paralysis of the arm.

After selecting the location of the tourniquet, you should first place a cloth strip there, tighten the tourniquet, wrap it around the limb twice and tie a knot. The tightness should be appropriate, and the wound should stop bleeding. Remember the time when putting on the tourniquet. Loosen it for 1/2 minute every half hour in winter and every hour in summer, and then tie it up again. When tying again, move the part slightly up and down. Patients with severe bleeding should be sent to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible while applying a tourniquet.

Check blood circulation. After the bandage is applied, you should check your toes or fingers frequently to see if there are any dark purple spots at the ends of your fingers, and whether the body temperature in that area has dropped. If this happens, the cloth tape should be loosened, otherwise it will cause tissue necrosis over time.

Through the above introduction, everyone has a clear idea of ​​what to pay attention to when using a tourniquet to stop bleeding for the wounded. Various details need to be taken seriously, and the tourniquet should be loosened regularly so that it does not hinder blood circulation due to being too tight. In addition, cleaning the wound is also very important to prevent infection and avoid trouble.