Tourniquet:
The #1 cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding. Severe bleeding can lead to death in as little as 5 minutes, thus, you must act quickly by utilizing a method known as the ABCs and a tourniquet:
- Alert: Call 9-1-1, or have someone call for you, and make your emergency known to the call-taker. Put the phone on speaker as you apply first aid to the victim.
- Bleeding: Locate the source of the bleeding. Remove any clothing covering the affected area.
- Compress: If the injury is to a leg or an arm you should use a tourniquet. Unwrap the tourniquet and apply is 2-3 inches above the wound. Do not place the tourniquet onto a joint, go above the joint if necessary.
Then, follow these steps:
- Tighten the tourniquet by pulling the free end.
- Wind the windlass until the bleeding stops, then secure the windlass in place.
- Lastly, note the time that the tourniquet was applied, write it down, or tell first responders when they arrive.
By utilizing these steps, you can effectively provide first aid and help to Stop The Bleed.