Use of tourniquets in combat and civilian trauma situations

Abstract

The tourniquet as a method of catastrophic haemorrhage control on the battlefield has been in and out of favour over the centuries. However, the recent increase in incidence of blast injuries, in Afghanistan for example, has led to its recent reintroduction in the UK military as a potential treatment at the point of injury, and all UK soldiers are trained in its use. This article discusses the benefits and risks of using tourniquets, and considers whether they have a place in civilian practice in certain circumstances.