Tourniquet application on a venous bleed
A few weeks ago in class (EMT), we were discussing tourniquet application in instances where there is bleeding that couldn't be controlled by pressure. In most cases, a tourniquet will be used on a limb that has arterial bleeding as opposed to venous. And in the case of arterial bleeding, the tourniquet will be applied proximal (above) to the injury.
However, I began to wonder if one had to use a tourniquet to control a venous bleed where the tourniquet would be applied. Since venous blood is flowing back to the heart, couldn't the tourniquet be applied distal to the injury?
Edit: Theoretically, this is an injury in which only a vein has been injured but the bleeding cannot be stopped through traditional methods.
(1)1 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
In venous lacerations, blood would be able to be stopped by placing a tourniquet below the injury. By stopping the blood from returning from the limb, you wouod be able to effectively prevent blood loss. This would work in the rare case of just the vein being cut, but it's safer to place the tourniquet above the injury in case the vein is not the only thing cut.
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2026 All Rights reserved.