When is a tourniquet indicated in the field, and what must be documented after applying it?

• A. For any limb bleeding; document time of application only
• B. For life-threatening extremity hemorrhage not controllable by direct pressure; document time of application and location
• C. For any bleeding regardless of control; document time of application
• D. Only for upper extremity bleeding; document location

Answer: (B)

The key idea is applying a tourniquet only for life-threatening bleeding in an extremity when direct pressure cannot control it, and then recording when it was applied and where it is placed. This approach targets bleeding that threatens the patient’s life and cannot be stopped with direct pressure alone, to maximize survival while avoiding unnecessary use.

Documenting the time of application matters because it shows how long the limb has been ischemic and informs ongoing care, transport decisions, and any decisions about reassessment or potential reperfusion later. Recording the location is essential so medical responders know exactly where the device was applied, ensuring proper monitoring, avoiding confusion during handoffs, and guiding further treatment if needed.

Other scenarios—using a tourniquet for any limb bleeding, or on any bleeding regardless of controllability, or restricting it to upper extremities only—do not fit, because tourniquets are reserved for life-threatening cases where direct pressure won’t control the hemorrhage, and they can be used on both upper and lower extremities.