• DO NOT apply a tourniquet to control bleeding, except as a last resort. Doing so may cause more harm than good. A tourniquet should be used only in a life-threatening situation and should be applied by an experienced person
• If continuous pressure hasn't stopped the bleeding and bleeding is extremely severe, a tourniquet may be used until medical help arrives or bleeding is controllable.
  • It should be applied to the limb between the bleeding site and the heart and tightened so bleeding can be controlled by applying direct pressure over the wound.
  • To make a tourniquet, use bandages 2 to 4 inches wide and wrap them around the limb several times. Tie a half or square knot, leaving loose ends long enough to tie another knot. A stick or a stiff rod should be placed between the two knots. Twist the stick until the bandage is tight enough to stop the bleeding and then secure it in place.
  • Check the tourniquet every 10 to 15 minutes. If the bleeding becomes controllable, (manageable by applying direct pressure), release the tourniquet.
• DO NOT peek at a wound to see if the bleeding is stopping. The less a wound is disturbed, the more likely it is that you'll be able to control the bleeding
• DO NOT probe a wound or pull out any embedded object from a wound. This will usually cause more bleeding and harm
• DO NOT remove a dressing if it becomes soaked with blood. Instead, add a new one on top
• DO NOT try to clean a large wound. This can cause heavier bleeding
• DO NOT try to clean a wound after you get the bleeding under control. Get medical help

Seek medical help if:

• Bleeding can't be controlled, required the use of a tourniquet, or was caused by a serious injury
• The wound might need stitches
• Gravel or dirt cannot be removed easily with gentle cleaning
• You think there may be internal bleeding or shock
• Signs of infection develop, including increased pain, redness, swelling, yellow or brown fluid, swollen lymph nodes, fever, or red streaks spreading from the site toward the heart
• The injury was due to an animal or human bite
• The patient has not had a tetanus shot in the last 5-10 years

Images

Stopping bleeding with direct pressure

Stopping bleeding with a tourniquet

Stopping bleeding with pressure and ice

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Review Date: 02/11/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)