How to make a tourniquet

In the event of a serious domestic accident, there are a number of first-aid techniques that need to be mastered. These include applying a tourniquet. This device is vital for stopping any bleeding from a limb. But how do you go about it? Here's how.

Tourniquet definition

A tourniquet is an emergency medical procedure used in the event of an injury causing external bleeding. Placing a tourniquet helps to limit bleeding while waiting for the emergency services to intervene. Tourniquets come in a variety of forms, including the tie tourniquet and the tourniquet. Some are performed by doctors, others by first-aiders. 

Types of tourniquet requiring professional intervention include : 

• the automatic tourniquet: this slows the flow of blood through the veins to simplify blood sampling;
• elastic tourniquet: this is a flexible latex bandage that can also be used to limit drainage in the event of haemorrhage;
• the pneumatic tourniquet: used by surgeons in the event of open wounds.

Applying a tourniquet can help save lives every day. That's why tactical tourniquets have been designed for the general public in emergency situations. These models can be stored in first-aid kits for use when needed. They require no first-aid training and are immediately ready for use. Military personnel also use these tourniquets in the event of serious accidents in the field. 

Read our article on what to pack in your military survival bag !

When should a tourniquet be applied? 

The application of a tourniquet must meet several criteria. The tourniquet is used to reduce blood loss over a short period of time. It should therefore only be used in extreme emergencies. This is the case, for example, when the victim is bleeding profusely and the wound continues to open despite manual compressions. 

An open wound can give rise to three types of haemorrhage: 

• venous haemorrhages can be recognized by the dark-red blood. Amputation may be necessary in the most severe cases;
• capillary haemorrhage is not very dangerous for the victim. Bleeding can be stopped with a bandage and a pressure dressing;
• arterial haemorrhages are characterized by ruddy-red blood. The blood tends to exit via an artery.

When should a medical tourniquet be used?

A medical tourniquet becomes essential in any of these situations: 

• manual compression does not stop the flow of blood;
• the victim is suffering from another serious symptom (cardiac arrest, difficulty breathing, etc.);
• the wound is infected by a foreign body;
• a limb is crushed or amputated, which complicates local compression;
• there are several victims to deal with at the same time.

A gesture that can save lives

When performed correctly, tourniquet application is harmless to the victim. However, complications can arise if the procedure is not carried out correctly. If you'd like to hone your first-aid skills, find out about the various training courses available from the Red Cross. To become a volunteer, you'll need to complete the PSE1 and PSE2 training courses. If you want to make first aid your profession, trainers will give you PSC1 training.

If you don't know how to make a tourniquet, or if you're in shock during an emergency situation, simply press hard on the wound. We recommend using absorbent cloths such as towels and clothing. Don't forget to contact emergency services afterwards. You can save lives! 

Blood loss: where to tourniquet?

For the tourniquet to be effective, we strongly advise against placing it over the wound or joint. Until help arrives, the tourniquet should be placed a few centimetres above the wound, between the wound and the heart. This ensures that blood from the heart cannot escape. According to the instructors, tourniquets should not be used if the haemorrhage is coming from the head or torso.

Procedures for applying a tourniquet

If you come face to face with someone suffering from an open wound, the first thing to do is keep calm . In the event of trauma, you risk transmitting negative waves to the victim. Now that you're perfectly calm, you'll need to lie the victim down. Next, try to locate the source of the bleeding. To limit blood loss, apply pressure with a compress.

If the victim is conscious, start a discussion with her so that she forgets the pain. The aim is to prevent them from fainting. The next thing to do is to contact the emergency services , giving them as much information as possible about the circumstances of the accident. The person on the other end of the line will also be able to give you further advice on how to apply a tourniquet. In introductory first-aid courses, instructors suggest the tourniquet as an emergency tourniquet.

Here are the procedures to follow: 

• take the tourniquet tie and place it over the wound;
• make two turns around the limb before tying the first knot;
• Once the knot has been firmly tightened, place a rigid rod over it before tying a second and third knot;
• all that remains is to rotate the rod on itself until the bleeding stops;
• cover with a bandage and plaster, if there is medical equipment nearby;
• wait for help to arrive. In the meantime, keep the victim warm.

A few precautionary measures

Rescuing someone with a tourniquet is not a trivial task. If the tourniquet is too tight, the victim risks paralysis of the limbs. Once you've administered first aid, make a note of the time you applied the tourniquet. Rescuers will need this information when they arrive on the scene.

If you detect a foreign body in the wound, apply the tourniquet without removing it. The rescue teams will then take over. Now that you've been trained in these first-aid techniques, it's up to you to apply them in an emergency!

Discover our article on the top 10 items to include in a military first-aid kit.