When should limb tourniquets and junctional tourniquets be converted to hemostatic or pressure dressings?

The appropriate time to convert limb tourniquets and junctional tourniquets to hemostatic or pressure dressings is when the casualty is not in shock. This situation is crucial for effective management of hemorrhagic injuries.

When a casualty is in shock, their physiological state is compromised, and maintaining blood flow is critical. Tourniquets are applied to control life-threatening hemorrhage, but once the immediate threat has passed and if the casualty stabilizes, switching to hemostatic or pressure dressings can help preserve limb function and minimize complications. Hemostatic agents aid in promoting clotting and can facilitate better blood circulation when the tourniquet is removed, assuming it is safe to do so.

This transition is not appropriate during severe shock or immediately following evacuation, as the priority in those situations is to maintain the tourniquet's effectiveness until the casualty is stabilized or definitive care is available. Hence, converting the tourniquet during phases of instability may result in further blood loss or degrade the casualty’s condition.