Tourniquets for Maintaining Haemostasis After Severe Injuries
Tourniquets are bands secured around an arm or leg to control bleeding due to severe injuries like gunshots, stabs, or heavy machinery accidents. In such situations, there can be uncontrollable bleeding. The only way to slow the bleeding is by applying constant pressure, however, the pressure applied by the hands may not always be sufficient to control the blood loss. Tourniquets maintain a consistent pressure over the wound, thereby preventing situations like a haemorrhage and facilitating safe patient transport. Tourniquets even allow easy insertion of needle during IV therapy.
Types of Tourniquets
1. Combat Torniquet
A combat tourniquet is a one-hand tourniquet used to ensure haemostasis during severe bleeding from the extremities. They have a red tip for easy identification. Combat tourniquets are used during critical incidents like terrorist attacks and as the first bleeding control measure in life-threatening haemorrhages.
2. Torniquet Strap
A tourniquet strap is a disposable medical equipment that provides effective compression to control bleeding. It is generally used during emergencies, surgeries, and medical procedures where constant blood flow is critical. Tourniquet straps are generally disposable, non-sterile, adjustable, and easy to use.
Different Uses of a Tourniquet
- Wound Management: During emergency situations when there is severe bleeding due to traumatic injury, tourniquets can be a lifesaver by preventing excessive blood loss.
- Surgical Procedures: During surgeries, a tourniquet using a tourniquet ensures a bloodless operating field. This allows surgeons to perform procedures efficiently and with increased visibility.
- Blood Collection: Tourniquets are also used while performing blood collection procedures like venipuncture and intravenous cannulation to improve the visibility of veins and facilitate easy needle insertion.
How to Use Torniquets
Assess the Wound
To apply a tourniquet, first examine the wound to know the extent of the bleeding. If there are any foreign objects remove them as they might be causing the bleeding.
Apply Pressure on the Wound
Once the bleeding is under control, apply pressure for at least 10 minutes and then apply a dressing to the wound. If the wound continues bleeding, another dressing might be required. Even after two dressings, the bleeding still doesn’t not stop, apply a tourniquet.
Position the Torniquet
Before using the tourniquet, inform the injured individual what you are doing. Now remove any piece of clothing over the wound, as the tourniquet needs to be applied on bare skin. Position the tourniquet 2 inches above the injury and secure it with a square knot just like you would tie your shoes but without a bow.
Add a Windlass
Take the object you wish to use as the windlass and place it above the knot. Then secure the loose ends of the tourniquet with another knot.
Tighten the Tourniquet
Tighten the tourniquet around the affected limb by twisting the windlass until the bleeding stops or reduces. Once the bleeding completely stops, secure the windlass by tying it to the arm or legs.
Why Choose Tornquets from Broadway Medical Supply?
Tourniquets are vital medical devices in the medical field. In the event of a life-threatening bleeding, they can be the best way of controlling blood loss till help arrives. Broadway Medical Supply offers different types of tourniquets like McKesson tourniquets and cat combat tourniquets that quickly control bleeding while ensuring comfort for the injured individual. Other than tourniquets, Broadway Medical Supply also provides IV therapy accessories that optimize infusion and reduce the risk of contamination.