CAT Arterial tourniquet

Question 1

PPE

Answer 1

Don disposable gloves and other
PPE appropriate for scene/
situation.

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Life threatening limb haemorrhage
unable to be controlled by simple
techniques alone.

Question 3

Contraindications

Answer 3

Absence of bone inside limb in
cases of extreme trauma

Question 4

Cautions

Answer 4

May cause significant pain.
Can cause soft tissue injury.
Can worsen bleeding if applied
incorrectly (too loose)

Question 5

Prepare patient

Answer 5

Explain procedure and gain
consent where appropriate to do
so

Remove clothing from site of injury
to allow direct application to the
skin

Question 6

Apply equipment

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Apply tension

Answer 7

Turn the rod until the bleeding
stops.
Turn the rod further to allow it to
be clipped into the holder.

Question 8

Document
time

Answer 8

Write the time on the tourniquet’s
designated label. Ensure this is
legible and documented
elsewhere.

Question 9

Reassess

Answer 9

Continuously reassess the
tourniquet and wound site for
bleeding (especially after moving
the patient).
If required, apply a second
tourniquet proximal to the first.

Question 10

Report

Answer 10

Accurately document/hand over
any relevant information regarding
the clinical skill
Time of application