Emergency care workers have been equally thankful and fearful of tourniquets for as long as they have been around. Rightfully so, as the tourniquet can save a life but possibly mean the loss of a limb if not applied correctly.
Older medical protocol suggests using a tourniquet as a last resort option, but modern procedures include an immediate application.
Emergency workers and field hospital staff would agree that using a tourniquet would save the patient when applied first and then attend to the rest of the injuries. Â
A junctional tourniquet would easily be one of the most versatile medical products as it has some medical applications. If you’re looking to buy one, you can find it in select stores and SAM Medical Products online.
To elaborate on its medical applications, discussed below are four uses of a junctional tourniquet:
- High-Level Amputations
Traumatic amputations are common for soldiers in the combat field. Landmines or other explosive devices could sever body parts like arms or legs. One of the first steps to help a person with this emergency would be to stop the bleeding.
Emergencies could arise quickly and cause massive damage to the body and its systems by losing tissue and blood. Quick action is vital, making the junctional tourniquet a superb choice to treat these injuries in the field.
Amputations cause massive blood loss in a short amount of time. Applying the tourniquet above the amputation site could stop the bleeding and give field medics enough time to replace some of the lost fluids through the placement of a drip.
- To Stop Arterial Bleeding
First responders can identify arterial bleeding by bright red-colored blood that squirts from a wound. Sometimes the heartbeat would be in time with the blood flow, which is another indication that a major artery is damaged.
This kind of injury could happen during a car crash, severe hiking injuries, caused by a gunshot, or any other traumatic injury that causes a pierced artery. An arterial bleed has the same consequences as amputation in blood loss.
Applying a junctional tourniquet would be the most effective method to prevent the patient from going into shock from blood loss. It can be used above the injury site or directly on it after applying hemostatic gauze.
A risk factor of having open wounds like amputations and arterial bleeds is that the injury can quickly allow bacteria to enter the system, which could cause systemic infections or localized issues like gangrene.
Applying a tourniquet prevents the blood from flowing back through the body, thus slowing the bacteria’s spread. Patients can receive medical assistance to avoid secondary infections when they arrive at a medical facility.
- Pelvic Fracture Stabilization
Many situations could cause damage to the pelvic bones, arteries, and muscles. Cases like car accidents, climbers taking a tumble, or soldiers in combat are some of the most common scenarios to find pelvic fractures and injuries.
With so many major arteries and nerves running through the pelvic area, an injury to this area is potentially life-threatening. One wrong twist in the direction of these significant structures could cause substantial bleeding or paralysis.
A junctional tourniquet may be able to stabilize the pelvic area long enough for emergency services to transport the patient to a trauma center for treatment.
Not all tourniquets would be able to provide this emergency function. First responders should use licensed products before applying anything to the fractured area.
- Axillary Application
Injuries to the arms, armpits (axilla), and shoulders have always been notoriously difficult to manage due to blood loss and fractures. All the adjacent structures like the ribcage make applying a tourniquet in this area tricky.
Luckily, the junctional tourniquet’s specific design supports injuries like gunshots, puncture wounds, and traumatic amputations of the arms and shoulders.
The additional straps provided can be attached effortlessly so the first responders can start using the tourniquet as soon as possible after the injury occurs.
Field medics and first responders can apply the tourniquet in no time, but it is also easy to remove for the medical staff that would have to attend to the patient when they arrive at the hospital.
The Takeaway
Emergencies can occur in many different settings, and being prepared for them is a life-saving, life-changing decision. First responders should ensure that they have their medical kits stocked for every possible scenario, including a junctional tourniquet.
Instead of being hesitant or fearful of the tourniquet, go for some training on using them effectively and accurately. When the situation calls for a junctional tourniquet, you will be ready to jump in to lend a helping hand.
Junctional tourniquets are more than just a medical device. They are the first responder’s friend and the patient’s saving grace.