Tourniquet use

●Critical

Call 112

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Blood-borne infection
Violence

Quick summary

Call 112. If limb bleeding wont stop with pressure — tighten band high above wound until bleeding stops. Note the time.

Do This Now

Step 1: Call 112 immediately
Step 2: Apply direct pressure first — tourniquet only if pressure fails on a limb
Step 3: Place tourniquet 5–8 cm above the wound, never on a joint
Step 4: Tighten until bleeding stops and record the time applied
Step 5: Do not loosen once applied — only medical staff should remove it

Do Not

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use a tourniquet for minor cuts or nosebleeds.

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT loosen the tourniquet to "give the limb a rest."

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use narrow wire, string, or thin rubber bands — they cut tissue and fail.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell dispatch: "Tourniquet applied to [limb] at [time]. Severe bleeding controlled/not controlled."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stay on the line. Dispatch may guide you if bleeding restarts or the person weakens.

When Professional Care Is Needed

Any tourniquet use means emergency care is required immediately.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tourniquet use always requires emergency hospital care — surgical evaluation is mandatory.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Never remove a tourniquet in the field — only hospital staff should decide when and how.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Use tourniquets only for life-threatening limb bleeding when direct pressure fails. Do not use on neck, chest, abdomen, or head.

Call 112

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

Call 112

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Call 112