home page
start the breathingstop the bleedingcheck for shock
Life threatStep 1 of 8

Apply a Tourniquet

Limb bleeding that pressure won't stop. Fastest life-saving skill there is.

1

Expose the limb.

Cut clothing away. A tourniquet over a pocket full of gear will not work.

Never

  • Never loosen or remove a tourniquet in the field
  • Never cover a tourniquet with a blanket or sleeve
  • Never use belts or shoelaces — they crush nerves without stopping arterial flow

Evacuate now if

  • Any tourniquet application is an immediate evacuation
  • Limb cold, blue, or numb past 2 hours