Under what conditions should you consider applying a tourniquet during heavy limb bleeding?

• A. Never use a tourniquet under any circumstances.
• B. Apply a tourniquet as the first step in any bleeding.
• C. Only if trained and bleeding is life-threatening and cannot be controlled by direct pressure.
• D. Use a tourniquet to immobilize the limb.

Answer: (C)

A tourniquet is a last-resort, life-saving measure for heavy limb bleeding, used only when you are trained and direct pressure cannot control the bleeding. The first action is to apply firm direct pressure to the wound with clean material and continue until bleeding slows or stops. If the blood loss remains life-threatening despite direct pressure, a trained responder may apply a tourniquet just above the wound to stop the arterial flow and buy time until professional care can be provided. It’s not a routine step for all bleeding, and it should not be used to immobilize the limb. Using a tourniquet carries the risk of tissue or nerve damage if misapplied or left in place too long, so it should be reserved for true emergencies and guided by proper training.