Click here to learn more and find out how you can learn first aid for FREE
…. consideration should be given to using a haemostatic dressing (tomorrow’s tip). The use of elastic tourniquets, which are used when drawing blood, is not suited to bleeding control.
Improvised tourniquets are not only likely to be ineffective. They are also prone to causing tissue damage and increased bleeding. Guidelines, however, state, “in the context of life-threatening bleeding, an improvised tourniquet is likely to be better than no tourniquet”.
An improvised tourniquet may be established from a “triangular or elastic bandage, clothing, a surfboard leg rope or other available similar items”. To tighten an improvised tourniquet, use a rod or stick placed under the band, in the same way, as a commercial tourniquet (see below).
When the tourniquet was first applied it is essential to note the time. Once in place, hospitalisation should take place as soon as practicable. The tourniquet should remain in place until removed by specialist carers.
Tomorrow we continue reviewing the latest recommended alternative bleeding controls from the new guideline and a look at haemostatic dressings.
Still available is a selection of our FREE resourses click on the image to go to the download site.
Click the link to go to the New Zealand Resuscitation Council Covid-19 recommended modifications for delivering resuscitation whilst the pandemic remains a threat. Click play to see a short video outlining CPR modifications that should be followed during the pandemic.
Click here to find out how you can learn first aid for FREE
To learn more from the experts about previously covered conditions click their logo below.
Acknowledgement
Data and information are fact-checked against various recognised sources, including the New Zealand Resuscitation Council, Health Navigator New Zealand, St John, and other recognised entities specialising in the specific subject content. It should be noted that variances in protocols exist and where necessary are identified.