What is the first tool you would use to stop massive hemorrhage in TC3?

• A. Tourniquets
• B. Pressure dressings
• C. Hemostatic agents
• D. Sutures

Answer: (A)

When facing life-threatening bleeding from a limb, the fastest and most reliable way to stop it is to apply a tourniquet. A tourniquet cuts off arterial blood flow distal to the wound, which quickly halts massive hemorrhage and works even if direct pressure can’t be maintained. To use it effectively, place it high on the limb, about 2–3 inches above the wound (not over a joint), tighten until the bleeding stops and distal perfusion is no longer evident, then secure it and note the time of application. While pressure dressings and hemostatic agents are important tools, they typically take longer to achieve definitive control of severe arterial bleeding. Sutures don’t address bleeding in the field and aren’t used to stop hemorrhage from a drawn-out wound. For torso injuries, a tourniquet isn’t applicable, but for limb bleeds, a tourniquet is the first step to save a life.