Which statement accurately describes tourniquet use in the field?

• A. Always apply a tourniquet for any bleeding.
• B. Never use a tourniquet; use only dressings.
• C. Use a tourniquet only if necessary for limb bleeding; otherwise prioritize direct pressure and wound dressings.
• D. Apply a tourniquet and leave it in place indefinitely.

Answer: (C)

In field bleeding control, you start with direct pressure and dressings and only escalate to a tourniquet when the bleeding is severe and cannot be controlled by pressure alone. The correct idea is to use a tourniquet only if necessary for limb bleeding, otherwise prioritize direct pressure and wound dressings. This approach stops dangerous bleeding while minimizing unnecessary tissue damage from prolonged blood flow interruption. Tourniquets are powerful tools for life-threatening limb bleeding, but they should not be used routinely or left on indefinitely; time the application and transport to definitive care, following medical guidance for removal or reassessment.