b. Apply Padding. Place padding around the limb where the tourniquet will be
applied. If the casualty's shirt sleeve or trouser leg is used as padding, smooth the
shirt or trouser material and apply the tourniquet band over the clothing.
c. Apply the Tourniquet Band. Place the tourniquet band material around
the tourniquet site. If possible, wrap the tourniquet band around the limb twice.
d. Apply the Rigid Object.
(1) Tie the band with a half knot (figure 2-24 A). This is the same as the
first part of tying a shoe.
(2)
Place the rigid object on top of the half-knot (figure 2-24 B).
(3)
Tie a full knot over the rigid object (figure 2-24 C).
e. Tighten the Tourniquet. Twist the rigid object either clockwise or
counterclockwise (figure 2-24 D) until the tourniquet is tight enough to stop arterial
blood flow beneath the band.
2-25. SECURE THE RIGID OBJECT
Once the tourniquet is tightened, you must secure the rigid object so the
tourniquet will not untwist.
a. Tourniquet Band Tails. If the remaining tails of the tourniquet
band are long enough, use them to secure the rigid object.
(1)
Align the rigid object lengthwise (parallel) with the limb.
(2) Wrap one tail of the tourniquet band over and around one end of the
rigid object (figure 2-24 E).
(3)
Bring that tail down the side of the injured limb.
(4) Wrap the other tail of the tourniquet band over and around the other
end of the rigid object.
(5)
Bring that tail down the other side of the injured limb.
(6) Bring the tails together and tie them in a nonslip knot under the injured
limb (figure 2-24 F).
MD0554
2-32