BONUS POST: Tourniquets

An autistic deep dive into tourniquets

If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you know I keep parroting that tourniquets (TQs) are probably the most important component of a trauma kit.

In fact, I usually list them as “item 0” of every trauma kit, meaning even if you don’t have a trauma kit you should still have a tourniquets on your person (or vehicle, EDC,…).

However.

Carrying a TQ is not enough, you have to know to store it, how to stage it and how to use it.

For this reason I’ve decided to write this bonus post, focusing only on TQs.

A Reality Check

If you're reading this, chances are you're a civilian in a developed country, where emergency services are typically less than 10 minutes away.

However, in cases of severe bleeding, those minutes can mean the difference between life and death, underlining the critical role of tourniquets (TQs).

While it's unlikely you'll face gunshot wounds or blast injuries, serious cuts from machinery, chainsaws, or car accidents are realistic scenarios.

A crucial reminder: before using a TQ in an emergency, be aware of the legal implications. Incorrect application leading to limb loss could result in legal action against you.

How and When to Use a Tourniquet

When the situation escalates and you're facing a limb gushing blood like a horror movie scene, it's TQ time. Here’s the lowdown on how and when to apply it, quick and dirty style: