When applying a tourniquet, what must you do when it stops the bleeding?

When a tourniquet is applied to control severe bleeding, it is vital to document the time it was applied on the tourniquet itself. This is crucial because it provides essential information for the receiving medical team. Knowing the duration for which a tourniquet has been in place can aid in patient management and decision-making, particularly regarding limb viability and potential complications related to prolonged application, such as tissue necrosis or nerve damage.

Timely documentation allows healthcare providers to assess how long the patient has been in a state where blood flow to the affected area has been restricted, influencing treatment strategies once in hospital care. It is essential to communicate this information, alongside other vital signs and assessment details, to ensure comprehensive patient care.

While the other actions listed might seem relevant in different contexts, they do not align with the standard procedure for managing a tourniquet once bleeding is controlled. For instance, removing a tourniquet prematurely could lead to a return of bleeding, which would be counterproductive. Similarly, loosening the tourniquet to check for circulation before definitive care can also lead to rebleeding and is not recommended. Notifying the hospital is important, but the immediate step should be to document the time of the tourniquet application to