Prehospital Guideline for External Hemorrhage Control
Publication Date: March 1, 2014
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
RECOMMENDATIONS
Tourniquets
We recommend the use of tourniquets in the prehospital setting for the control of significant extremity hemorrhage if direct pressure is ineffective or impractical. (Moderate, Strong)
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We suggest using commercially produced windlass, pneumatic, or ratcheting devices that have been demonstrated to occlude arterial flow. (Low, Weak)
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We suggest against the use of narrow, elastic, or bungee-type devices. (Low, Weak)
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We suggest that improvised tourniquets be applied only if no commercial device is available. (Low, Weak)
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We suggest against releasing a tourniquet that has been properly applied in the prehospital setting until the patient has reached definitive care. (Low, Weak)
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Title
Prehospital Guideline for External Hemorrhage Control