When is it appropriate to apply a tourniquet?

Applying a tourniquet is appropriate in situations involving severe limb bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure. The primary purpose of a tourniquet is to rapidly and effectively occlude blood flow to a limb in order to prevent life-threatening blood loss. It is typically used in cases of traumatic injuries where the bleeding is severe and may not be managed through traditional methods like direct pressure.

Using a tourniquet for minor cuts is not indicated, as such injuries usually can be addressed with basic first aid measures. Similarly, chest injuries would not be treated with a tourniquet since the focus for such traumas often involves managing airway, breathing, and circulation, rather than applying pressure to a wound. When moving a patient to safety, while it’s critical to stabilize any severe bleeding, the application of a tourniquet should only be done if the bleeding cannot be controlled through other means. Thus, the application of a tourniquet is a critical intervention reserved for severe conditions requiring immediate attention.