The Tourniquet

Categories: Xii Accidents

To stop the bleeding press the artery _above_ the wound firmly with your

fingers while some one prepares a tourniquet. Use a handkerchief, a

necktie, or anything of the kind for a tourniquet; tie it loosely around

the limb and in the bandage place a smooth stone (or something that will

take its place), adjusting it just above your fingers on the artery.

Then slip a strong, slender stick about ten inches long under the

andage at the outer side of the arm or leg and turn the stick around

like the hand of a clock, until the stone presses the artery just as

your fingers did. Tie the stick above and below the bandage to keep it

from untwisting.



_Do not forget_ that the tourniquet is cutting off circulation, and for

this to continue very long is dangerous. It is not safe to keep it on

more than one hour without loosening. If the hand or foot grows cold and

numb before that time loosen the tourniquet and rub briskly to restore

circulation. Should the wound begin to bleed again when the tourniquet

is loosened, be ready to tighten at once.



In case of an accident of this kind summon a physician, if one can be

reached quickly. If not, take the patient to the nearest doctor, for the

artery must be tied as soon as possible and only a physician or skilful

trained nurse can do that part of the work.