How to Apply a Tourniquet

Date Published: November 27, 2024

When medical help is not immediately available, correctly applying a tourniquet can make the difference between life and death. Whether you work in a high-risk profession, enjoy outdoor activities, or want to be prepared for any emergency, understanding how and when to use a tourniquet is an essential skill that can help save lives during critical moments.

Where to Buy a Tourniquet

Buy a SOF Tactical Tourniquet, Tourniquet Arm Trainer, and more first aid supplies from the Red Cross Store.

When Should You Use a Tourniquet?

For life-threatening bleeding on an arm or leg, use a tourniquet. While waiting for a tourniquet, or if a tourniquet is not available, use direct pressure. There are different types of tourniquets available. All work by applying pressure.

How to Apply a Tourniquet

• If you have gloves, wear them. If the bleeding is life-threatening and you don't have gloves, begin providing care immediately. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after giving care.
• Remember that the person may have more than one wound. Find the source of any life-threatening bleeding and care for that wound first.
• Know where to apply a tourniquet. Place a tourniquet two to three inches above the wound, between the wound and the heart. Avoid placing the tourniquet on top of the wound or on a joint.
• Warn the person that tightening the tourniquet may be painful, but it is necessary to control the bleeding.
• Some tourniquets allow you to fasten the strap back onto itself after you have pulled it as tight as possible. Although tourniquets may have slightly different designs, they are generally applied similarly: position the tourniquet, tighten it, and secure it.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the tourniquet you have. If you've tightened the first tourniquet as much as possible, but the bleeding hasn't stopped, you can use a second tourniquet. Apply the second tourniquet above the first, closer to the heart.
• After you've applied the tourniquet, don't loosen or remove it—this should only be done by a medical professional.

Windlass Rod Tourniquet

A windlass rod tourniquet has four parts: a strap, a buckle, a rod, and a clip with a triangle fastener.

• To begin, place the tourniquet 2 to 3 inches above the wound. You want the tourniquet to be between the wound and the heart.
  • Avoid placing the tourniquet on top of the wound or on a joint. Warn the person that tightening the tourniquet may be painful, but it is necessary to control the bleeding. (To man) Sir, this may hurt.
• Attach the buckle or pass the end of the strap through the buckle and then think PULL-TWIST-CLIP.
• PULL the free end of the strap until the tourniquet is as tight as you can get it around the limb. Some tourniquets may allow you to fasten the strap back onto itself after you have pulled it as tight as possible.
• TWIST the rod to finish tightening the tourniquet.
• Keep twisting the rod until the bleeding stops, or until you can't twist it anymore. Don't stop, even if the person complains of pain.
• Then, CLIP the rod in place to prevent it from untwisting.

You may see other types of tourniquets in addition to windlass rod tourniquets. Although tourniquets may have slightly different designs, all are applied in generally the same way: position the tourniquet, tighten it, and secure it in place. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the tourniquet that you have. No matter what type of tourniquet you are using, you can apply a second tourniquet if you've tightened the first tourniquet as much as you can, but the bleeding hasn't stopped. Apply the second tourniquet above the first, closer to the heart. After you've applied the tourniquet, don't loosen or remove it—this should only be done by a medical professional.

Be Prepared in an Emergency

First aid training is an important skill that can make a life-saving difference in emergencies. Accidents and injuries can happen unexpectedly, and knowing how to respond quickly can stabilize a person until advanced medical help is available.

Learn critical lifesaving skills like administering first aid and applying a tourniquet by taking a first aid class. The American Red Cross has several classes to consider.

• First Aid for Severe Bleeding (Online Course): Learn how and when to control bleeding by applying a tourniquet and hemostatic dressing.
• First Aid for Severe Trauma™ (FAST™) Course: A person can die from severe blood loss in less than 5 minutes. Would you know what to do if faced with a life-threatening bleeding emergency? Learn bleeding control skills with First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST), a national STOP THE BLEED® course from the Red Cross.
• Until Help Arrives (Online Course): This non-certification online course provides the general public with the basic yet critical key actions that can be taken during a life-threatening emergency that can help sustain or save a life until EMS arrives.

Download the Free American Red Cross First Aid App

The American Red Cross First Aid App puts expert advice for common emergencies at your fingertips. Videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice makes learning easy and engaging. Access your course certifications, new lifesaving First Aid content, and locate your nearest hospital in case of emergency.

Whether at home, at work, or in the community, knowing how to use a tourniquet and other first aid techniques could help save someone's life, including your own.

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