Stop the Bleed Month: How a Tourniquet Works

We're uploading this video in May, which is National Stop the Bleed Month. Continuing our "STB" series, Caleb again welcomes special guest Chris Hoyne of North American Rescue. Chris tells us about an important life-saving tool for stopping massive bleeding, something that goes back to the time of the Roman Empire - the tourniquet. A tourniquet is applied to a victim's arm or leg after the limb has received an injury causing severe bleeding. Signs of severe bleeding include heavily blood-soaked clothing, a pool of blood on the ground under the victim, or in a worst-case scenario blood spurting from a wound.

Chris demonstrates on a willing Caleb how to apply a tourniquet using North American Rescue's Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT). The tourniquet should be placed 2" to 3" above the injury and NOT on the knee or elbow. The tourniquet should be pulled tight enough that you cannot slide three fingertips under it. Turn the windlass, the rod on the outside of the CAT, until the bleeding stops. Chris shows us how to secure the tail of the CAT to prevent accidental release of the tourniquet. There's even a place to write the time when the tourniquet was applied.

The CAT comes pre-looped, so it can be applied using only one hand. If the injured limb is caught in something - machinery, the interior of a wrecked vehicle, etc. - the Combat Application Tourniquet can be unfurled and wrapped around the limb. The CAT comes in three colors: black (preferred by military and law enforcement users), blue for training, and orange, which is commonly used in public-access Stop the Bleed kits. For emergency medical treatment, a tourniquet should be used only ONCE and never re-used. That why NAR offers blue tourniquets clearly designated for training only.

[Hezziilishus]

Thank y'all for this!

It was presented in clear, easy to understand language, and that was accompanied with an outstanding demonstration. Sincerely, it's much appreciated.

Y'all have a good one and stay safe out there.

[Mil-Spec_Mike]

Excellent video! These are vital tools for any situation. Always carry a hi-vis tourniquet when at the range, as well as a larger IFAK kit in my vehicle.

[wingman]

Probably the best most important video you’ve ever done. I took the course, it was a great refresher. Everyone should take it. I have a kit on my range bag and in my truck console. Thank you.

[TacoTory]

Instructions unclear: i tourniquet my neck 😎

[vonphilp]

I appreciate the video. Question: how long can a tourniquet stay on before it’s likely that the limb will be lost? I know that can vary depending on the situation and individual, but what’s a typical range of time? Thanks!

[williamcoker]

Everyone should have one in there vechile, camping bag, hunting bag, bug out stuff happens.
Be prepared not scared

[trapperjohn]

Why not re-use a tourniquet? Is it simply because they wear out? If that's the case, wouldn't a used tourniquet be better than none? Also, is there any difference between the blue tourniquet and others, or is it simply a different color to identify one that's been used?

[arthurdsoto]

From what I understand when treating a gun shot wound to the leg or arm, one should go up as far as possible in case there is an exit above the initial entry wound.

[jstpsgthru]

What is your reference for placement? I've seen other providers of rescue equipment and safety videos put the tourniquet closer to the next higher joint. In this case, the tourniquet would be placed just under the shoulder (in the armpit, ) rather than 3" above the wound. Thanks

[dalestark]

Why are tourniquets single use? What wears out after one use on them, or is it simply a bloodborne issue for safety? If that is the case the tourniquet could be satanized/sterilized could it not?

[lextalionis]

“Don’t reuse the tourniquet.” No reason given as to why not? If it is still functional, why not reuse it?