Using a Tourniquet to Save a Life

This guide covers the use of three types of tourniquets: the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Tourniquet, the Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT), and DIY emergency tourniquets made from available materials.

MEDICALGEAR & TOOLSWAR

8/23/20246 min read

a 1950s smiling cartoon showing how to user a tourniquet

How to Use a Tourniquet to Save a Life: A Practical Guide

In emergency situations involving severe bleeding, knowing how to properly apply a tourniquet can be the difference between life and death. A tourniquet is a device used to apply pressure to a limb to restrict blood flow, effectively controlling hemorrhaging that can otherwise lead to shock or death. This guide covers the use of three types of tourniquets: the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Tourniquet, the Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT), and DIY emergency tourniquets made from available materials.

Here are some other items worth carrying in a get home bag:

Get Home Bag Survival Planner and Checklist

Bug-out bag items worth looking at:

Bug-out bag planner and checklist

Here are vehicle disaster items to have:

Vehicle bag planner for SHTF

When I first started working with clients to enhance their disaster preparedness, I quickly realized that there was a dangerous gap in knowledge. People had the gear—long-term water supplies, waterproof matches, tactical flashlights, and stockpiles of food—but when it came to life-saving skills, the room often fell silent. The ability to stop a life-threatening bleed with a tourniquet wasn’t just missing from their plans; it wasn’t even on their radar. I’ve seen firsthand how critical this skill can be, whether it’s dealing with a hunting accident in the wilderness or a car crash on a deserted road. Gear can fail, supplies can run out, but skills endure. Teaching someone how to save a life with just a few practiced motions has become one of the most vital parts of my work.

Disaster prepping often brings to mind images of stockpiles and high-tech gear like solar powered generators and home defense setups, and while those things have their place, the mastery of a simple tool like a tourniquet can make the difference between life and death. Hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of preventable death in emergencies, and that grim reality doesn’t change in a disaster scenario. When help is minutes or hours away—or simply unavailable—the ability to control bleeding becomes non-negotiable. The knowledge isn’t just for combat medics or paramedics; it’s for parents, hikers, commuters, and anyone who might find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. A tourniquet is deceptively simple, but improper use can do more harm than good, which is why education and practice are as essential as the tool itself. The primitive but highly effective tourniquet is akin to primitive methods of living without power, both are useful when electricity and hospitals stops running and people are on their own.

The tourniquet is an unassuming piece of equipment, often overshadowed by flashier items in the prepping arsenal. Yet, its utility goes beyond its simplicity. A catastrophic injury—whether from a natural disaster or a man-made one—can produce arterial bleeding that no amount of gauze can manage. Without intervention, the clock starts ticking. Blood loss doesn’t negotiate or wait for better circumstances. A tourniquet, applied correctly with properly learned SHTF medical skills, can halt that countdown, buying critical time until definitive care becomes an option. What makes it even more compelling is its accessibility; most commercial tourniquets are lightweight, easy to carry, and relatively affordable, ensuring there’s no excuse not to have one nearby.

Experience has shown me that preparedness isn’t just a kit; it’s a mindset and a skillset. I’ve worked with people who were skeptical about their ability to manage a medical crisis. They assumed they’d freeze up or make things worse. But with training, those same individuals became the ones who could step in when seconds mattered. It’s not enough to know how to apply a tourniquet in theory; you need to practice. Understand the placement—high and tight, above the injury. Know how to tighten it until the bleeding stops, even if it’s uncomfortable for the patient. Rehearse using it under stress, when your hands might be shaking and the world around you is chaos.

Tourniquets aren’t the solution to every problem, but in scenarios where they’re needed, they are often the only solution. When disaster strikes, there’s no substitute for having both the right tools and the knowledge to use them effectively. It is super important to gain experience within a group of professionals in a disaster prepping community, with diverse skill sets to train each other. Preparing for emergencies is about equipping yourself to face the unknown, and that preparation starts with understanding what’s truly vital. Life-saving skills like tourniquet application anchor us in our ability to respond, adapt, and endure. And when everything else feels out of control, having the confidence to act can make all the difference.

Understanding When a Tourniquet Is Necessary

Tourniquets should be applied in cases of severe, uncontrolled bleeding from the limbs where direct pressure or wound packing fails to stop the blood flow. Indicators include:

Bright red, pulsating blood flow indicating arterial bleeding.
Bleeding that soaks through dressings or pressure bandages.
Amputations or partial amputations.

The SOF Tourniquet

The Special Operations Forces (SOF) Tactical Tourniquet is widely used by military and tactical teams. It’s designed for one-handed use and is highly effective in controlling life-threatening bleeding.

How to Apply an SOF Tourniquet:

Positioning: Place the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound, between the wound and the heart. If the wound is near a joint (elbow or knee), position the tourniquet above the joint.
Wrap and Secure: Pull the strap tight around the limb, making sure no slack remains. Secure it using the buckle.
Windlass (Rod): Twist the windlass until the bleeding stops. This rod tightens the strap, applying enough pressure to stop blood flow.
Secure the Windlass: Lock the windlass in place using the hook or clip provided on the tourniquet.
Time Stamp: Record the time the tourniquet was applied by writing it on the tourniquet or the patient’s skin. This is crucial for medical personnel.

The CAT Tourniquet

The Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) is another commonly used device by military, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. It is also designed for one-handed application, making it practical for self-application if necessary.

How to Apply a CAT Tourniquet:

Positioning: Similar to the SOF tourniquet, place the CAT 2-3 inches above the wound. Avoid placing it directly over joints or bulky objects in pockets.
Thread and Tighten: Thread the strap through the buckle and pull tightly until no slack remains.
Windlass (Rod): Rotate the windlass to tighten the strap until the bleeding stops.
Secure the Windlass: Place the windlass into the retaining clip to lock it in place. Ensure it doesn’t slip out.
Time Stamp: As with the SOF tourniquet, note the time it was applied.

DIY Emergency Tourniquets

In situations where a commercial tourniquet isn’t available, you can improvise a tourniquet using common items like belts, scarves, or even strips of cloth. While DIY tourniquets aren’t as effective as professional ones, they can still save a life in an emergency.

How to Create and Apply a DIY Tourniquet:

Find a Strap: Use a strong, wide material like a belt, bandana, or piece of fabric. Narrow cords or ropes should be avoided as they can cause tissue damage without effectively stopping blood flow.
Windlass (Tightening Mechanism): Locate a sturdy stick, rod, or similar object to act as a windlass.
Position and Tie: Wrap the strap around the limb 2-3 inches above the wound, just as you would with a professional tourniquet. Tie a simple knot first.
Insert and Twist: Place the stick or rod over the knot and tie a second knot on top of it. Twist the rod to tighten the strap until the bleeding stops.
Secure the Windlass: Tie off the rod to prevent it from unwinding.
Monitor and Mark Time: Record the time of application and continuously monitor for signs of decreased blood flow below the tourniquet.

Important Considerations When Using a Tourniquet

Pain is Expected: A properly applied tourniquet will be painful. This is a sign that it’s working to restrict blood flow.
Tourniquet Duration: A tourniquet should be left in place until professional medical help arrives. The risk of tissue damage increases after two hours, but in life-threatening situations, this is secondary to stopping massive blood loss.
Don’t Remove the Tourniquet: Once applied, do not attempt to loosen or remove the tourniquet unless you’re under medical supervision.