Bleeding Control: Tourniquets, Packing, Pressure

Objective

Control massive hemorrhage within 60 seconds using TQs, wound packing, and pressure.

MARCH Priority

Handle Massive bleeding first; then Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia.

Tourniquet (TQ)

1. Place 5–7 cm above wound (not on joint).
2. Tighten until bleeding stops and distal pulse is gone.
3. Note time; do not remove until higher care.

Wound Packing

1. Expose wound; locate source.
2. Pack hemostatic gauze firmly; maintain pressure 3 minutes.
3. Wrap pressure bandage.

Chest Wounds

Seal with vented chest seals; monitor breathing.

Real Example

Bystanders stopped a thigh laceration bleed with a CAT TQ in 40 seconds; EMS arrived 8 minutes later.

Checklist

• CAT/SOF‑T TQ
• Hemostatic gauze
• Pressure bandage
• Gloves, shears

Contingencies

• TQ ineffective → second TQ proximal.
• Severe bleeding in junctions → pack aggressively.

After-Action

Train quarterly with a timer; label kit with expiration dates.

← Previous | All Articles | Next →