When there is severe bleeding where a major artery has been
severed, pressure may be insufficient and a tourniquet may be
necessary. Tourniquets are an effective way of stopping bleeding
from an extremity. They do, however, stop circulation to the
affected extremity and should ONLY be used when other methods, such
as pressure dressings, have failed (or are likely to fail).
Pressure from tourniquets must be relieved periodically to prevent
damage to the tissue from lack of oxygen.
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)
