Tourniquets: One may not be enough

Tourniquet is one of the most important medical supplies in IFAK kit. It's used to stop massive bleeding. It's like an insurance policy you hope you never have to use, but when you need it, you'd better have it.

How many tourniquets should a soldier carry? The answer is: at least two. There are two major reasons why you should consider stocking two tourniquets.

One tourniquet is probably not enough

When you get shot, and you have massive bleeding, you'll apply a tourniquet and realize the bleeding didn't stop. If the first tourniquet didn't stop the bleeding, don't remove the first one, and just apply the second one above the first tourniquet till the bleeding is controlled. Use the second one for yourself if one is not working out; apply another one above.

Keep one for you and another one for the comrade.

If you are fighting and your comrade got shot, here is an approach: use their tourniquet on them. It's not about sharing; on the battlefield, by using their tourniquet, you ensure you still have yours at the ready. Keep yours for yourself, and if they run out of their tourniquet, then use the second one for them. So, the second one could also be kept for your comrade in emergencies.

Where to Stock the Tourniquet?

Just remember your tourniquet is not stocked in the medical kit; it should be stocked individually out of the pouch or on the plate carrier. You make sure that when something happens, you can grab your tourniquet immediately without looking, and you apply the tourniquet to stop the bleeding in 30 seconds. Click here to get more tips on how to choose the tactical medical kits.

FAQs

How to choose the right tourniquet for battlefield use?

Look for models with a windlass that can be secured, one-handed application capability, durability in harsh conditions, and visibility features like high-contrast colors. Avoid elastic or non-windlass designs that may fail under pressure. Always train with the same model you carry.

How long can a tourniquet safely remain in place?

While modern medical guidance suggests tourniquets can remain in place for up to 2 hours with minimal risk of permanent tissue damage, always mark the time of application and seek professional medical care as quickly as possible.

Should civilians carry tourniquets too?

Absolutely. With proper training, tourniquets are valuable for anyone who might encounter severe bleeding emergencies, including hikers, hunters, or those who work with machinery or tools.

Is it true you should never apply a tourniquet to joints?

Correct. Tourniquets should be applied to a single bone section. Joints have complex anatomy that makes tourniquets less effective there. Place it 2–3 inches above the wound on the limb, between the wound and the heart.