RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Tourniquet use in the civilian prehospital setting
JF Emergency Medicine Journal
JO Emerg Med J
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine
SP 584
OP 587
DO 10.1136/emj.2007.046359
VO 24
IS 8
A1 Lee, C
A1 Porter, K M
A1 Hodgetts, T J
YR 2007
UL http://emj.bmj.com/content/24/8/584.abstract
AB Tourniquets are an effective means of arresting life-threatening external haemorrhage from limb injury. Their use has not previously been accepted practice for pre-hospital civilian trauma care because of significant concerns regarding the potential complications. However, in a few rare situations tourniquet application will be necessary and life-saving. This review explores the potential problems and mistrust of tourniquet use; explains the reasons why civilian pre-hospital tourniquet use may be necessary; defines the clear indications for tourniquet use in external haemorrhage control; and provides practical information on tourniquet application and removal. Practitioners need to familiarise themselves with commercial pre-hospital tourniquets and be prepared to use one without irrational fear of complications in the appropriate cases.