In the tourniquet application sequence, which step comes immediately after securing the tourniquet tightly?

• A. Place above wound
• B. Tighten until bleeding stops
• C. Record time
• D. Check distal pulse

Answer: (B)

Controlling hemorrhage is the priority when a tourniquet is used. After you place the tourniquet above the wound and secure it, the important next step is to tighten it until the bleeding stops. This ensures complete arterial occlusion and rapid cessation of blood loss. If bleeding persists, you continue to adjust the tension incrementally until it ceases. Once bleeding is controlled, you would then record the time of application and check distal perfusion as part of ongoing reassessment. The core idea is that achieving hemostasis by tightening until bleeding stops comes immediately after securing the tourniquet tightly.