For which scenario is a tourniquet indicated?

• A. For facial wounds only
• B. For internal bleeding
• C. For life-threatening extremity hemorrhage where direct pressure fails or is not feasible
• D. For any external bleeding

Answer: (C)

When bleeding from an arm or leg is life-threatening and you cannot stop it with direct pressure, a tourniquet is indicated. It works by stopping arterial blood flow to the limb, which rapidly reduces blood loss and buys time for evacuation or definitive care. This tool is specifically for exterior bleeding from limbs, not for injuries to the face or for internal bleeding, which cannot be controlled by a limb tourniquet. It’s not used for any external bleeding, only for severe hemorrhage where direct pressure either fails to control it or isn’t feasible. If you apply one, place it high on the limb, tighten until the bleeding stops or cannot be controlled, and note the time of application for medical teams.