Institution Enterprises-First Aid Training | Tourniquets and Bleeding Control
Do These Life Saving Devices Really Cost the Patient An Arm Or A Leg??
THE SHORT VERSION:
The newest data shows that not only are tourniquets a critical life saving tool, they are effective without causing long term extremity damage.
Stop The Bleed
If someone has an uncontrolled extremity bleed (arm and/or leg), they could bleed out in as fast as 90 seconds! Applying a tourniquet correctly and quickly can stop the bleed, and save a life. However, if you are from the “old school”…and I am talking, like, not really that old…you probably heard that using a tourniquet can “save a life, but lose a limb”. Well folks, thanks to some excellent field data, we can now say that that is just not true.
Tourniquets Don’t Do The Damage
It used to be believed that tourniquets caused long-term, permanent damage to the limb on which they were applied, often resulting in amputation. Cutting off the circulation to that body part can’t possibly be good, right? I mean…possibly, but most likely not.
Let’s get a few things clear:
- If you are using a tourniquet, it is because there is already SEVERE damage to the extremity, causing life threatening, uncontrolled bleeding.
- Using a tourniquet in this situation absolutely can save a life.
- Newest data DOES NOT support the myth that tourniquets cause permanent limb damage and/or amputation of the limb.
Got Data?
The best available data comes from a Government sanctioned study in 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq. To be clear, this study is looking at battlefield/prehospital use of tourniquets (as opposed to emergency room or surgery application). Here’s the gist of it:
- 232 PATIENTS
- 428 TOURNIQUET APPLICATIONS
- 309 LIMBS
- 92% IMPROVEMENT IN SURVIVABILITY WITH TOURNIQUET
- ZERO DEATHS ATTRIBUTED TO TOURNIQUET USE
- ZERO AMPUTATIONS DUE TO TOURNIQUET USE
Want the full report?? CLICK HERE
How Skilled Are You With a Tourniquet??
Whether you are Military, Law Enforcement, or a Civilian who takes community safety seriously, a tourniquet is only as good as the person using it. In general, they are simple to use and effective. However, considering that the time you may need to use one will likely be the most stressful, scary time of your life, it is absolutely imperative to be proficient at using one.
Institution Enterprises specializes in creating the training environment to ensure your First Aid skills go beyond being “book ready”…this applies to First Responders as well as Civilians. If you care enough to take a class to improve your life saving skills and knowledge, then we care enough to make sure you come out of our training confident and ready to put your skills to work.
First Aid training is not just for First Responders. No matter your experience level or background, our training is designed to give you the knowledge and skills to make you confident in providing first aid.
Contact Institution Enterprises TODAY to learn more about First Aid, CPR, and custom training programs!
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