What is the purpose of a tourniquet?

The purpose of a tourniquet is to control severe bleeding by constricting blood flow to a limb. When applied correctly, a tourniquet effectively compresses the blood vessels and restricts blood flow to an injured area. This is critical in situations where there is significant hemorrhage, as it can prevent a person from losing too much blood and ultimately help save their life. The use of a tourniquet is particularly vital in traumatic injuries where traditional bandaging methods are insufficient to stop bleeding.

The correct application of a tourniquet helps to buy time until more advanced medical treatment can be administered. Proper training in its use is crucial, as misapplication can lead to complications or further injury.