2015 Trumbull Memorial Hospital Demo

Tourniquet Application

Tourniquet Application

Clinical Indications:  Life-threatening hemorrhage from an extremity that cannot be controlled by direct pressure (whether direct pressure alone is inadequate, or inadequate resources exist to hold pressure while attending to the patient) Clinical Considerations:  Recent science has indicated that tourniquet use is very safe if released within a two hour window  Recent science has also indicated that tourniquets may be used in place of direct pressure, if resources on scene to maintain pressure while providing adequate patient care are limited  Tourniquets are painful. Provide pain management.

Steps

Performed? Yes No

1. Apply commercial tourniquet to the skin proximal to the area of bleeding  2” proximal when able  Do not apply to a joint

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2. Secure the tourniquet in place with the Velcro strap

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3. Continue to tighten the tourniquet until hemorrhage is controlled  Depending on the severity of the bleed, it may be very uncomfortable for the patient  Avoid over-tightening the tourniquet, only apply as much pressure is needed to control the hemorrhage

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4. Note the time the tourniquet was applied in the patient care report

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5. Continuously reassess the extremity for bleeding

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6. If bleeding recurs, leave the initial tourniquet in place and consider:  Direct pressure  Application of a second tourniquet proximal to the first

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7. After reassessment, follow pain management protocol and document effect.

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8. Notify the receiving hospital that a tourniquet is in place.

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156

EMR

EMT

AEMT

Paramedic

Extended