Tourniquet Use in a Civilian Emergency Medical Services Setting: A Descriptive Analysis of the Boston EMS Experience

Abstract

The early use of tourniquets for extremity hemorrhage in an urban civilian EMS setting appears to be safe, with complications occurring infrequently.

An Evaluation Concerning Tourniquets Application in a Simulated Tactical Environment

“…Because of the easy and quick access to specialist care, in case of massive hemorrhage in case of civil casualties, assistance is provided in stages, the last of which is the tourniquet application. [20,21] During the bombing attack in Boston, two explosives filled with bearing balls were detonated, killing three people and injuring 264. Eservices decided to apply tourniquets for 27 victims in a form of improvised bands.…”

Kurzdarstellung

“…Beim Militär gehören Tourniquets seit vielen Jahren zur Ausrüstung für die Behandlung von stark blutenden Extremitätenverletzungen [880,881]. Ihr Einsatz hat zu einer Reduktion der Sterblichkeit geführt [880][881][882][883][884][885][886][887][888][889]. Benutzen Sie bei stark blutenden Wunden an einer Extremität, die durch direkten Druck allein nicht kontrollierbar sind, ein Tourniquet.…”

Part 1: Executive Summary

“…16 There are no significant differences between Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia in the incidence of OHCA. The incidence of patients with OHCA considered for resuscitation is lower in Asia (55 per year per 100 000 population) than in Europe (86), North America (103), and Australia (113). 17 The incidence of patients in OHCA with presumed cardiac cause in whom resuscitation was attempted is higher in North America (58 per 100 000 population) than in the other 3 continents (35 in Europe, 32 in Asia, and 44 in Australia).…”

“…95 • Recommendations for the management of severe bleeding include the use of direct pressure, hemostatic dressings, [96][97][98][99] and tourniquets. [100][101][102][103][104][105][106] However, formal training in the use of hemostatic dressings and tourniquets will be required to ensure their effective application and use.…”