What is an indicator that a casualty might need a tourniquet?

When assessing a casualty for the potential need for a tourniquet, the presence of severe bleeding that cannot be controlled is a critical indicator. Tourniquets are specifically designed to stop life-threatening extremity hemorrhage in situations where other methods of hemorrhage control, such as direct pressure, are ineffective.

Severe bleeding may manifest as a steady stream or a pulsatile spurt from a wound, and it poses a high risk of rapid blood loss, which can lead to shock or death if not managed promptly. In scenarios where bleeding is profuse and direct pressure fails to achieve hemostasis, the application of a tourniquet becomes necessary to restrict blood flow and stabilize the patient.

Recognizing the need for a tourniquet is a vital skill in Tactical Combat Casualty Care, as timely intervention can significantly impact survival rates. The use of a tourniquet can often be the decisive factor in preventing further physiological deterioration from blood loss.