CAT Arterial tourniquet Flashcards
PPE
Don disposable gloves and other
PPE appropriate for scene/
situation.
Indications
Life threatening limb haemorrhage
unable to be controlled by simple
techniques alone.
Contraindications
Absence of bone inside limb in
cases of extreme trauma
Cautions
May cause significant pain.
Can cause soft tissue injury.
Can worsen bleeding if applied
incorrectly (too loose)
Prepare patient
Explain procedure and gain
consent where appropriate to do
so
Remove clothing from site of injury
to allow direct application to the
skin
Apply equipment
Place the tourniquet around the
limb, 5-8 cm above the site of
bleeding, avoiding a joint site.
The tourniquet should be tight
enough that no more than 2 fingers
can slide underneath.
Apply tension
Turn the rod until the bleeding
stops.
Turn the rod further to allow it to
be clipped into the holder.
Document
time
Write the time on the tourniquet’s
designated label. Ensure this is
legible and documented
elsewhere.
Reassess
Continuously reassess the
tourniquet and wound site for
bleeding (especially after moving
the patient).
If required, apply a second
tourniquet proximal to the first.
Report
Accurately document/hand over
any relevant information regarding
the clinical skill
Time of application