Thread: whats in your first aid kit?

Originally Posted by Koshogi

I'm aware of the complications that can occur due to the use of a tourniquet, but the risk outweighs the survival benefit.

I disagree with you that first aiders would do more harm than good. Part of any training is going to include when to use it and when not to.

That's your view, and you're entitled to it...

I think what you are missing is that when scope of practise protocols are worked out that they look not only at the benefit of a procedure when it is applied correctly, but also at the harm when it is done by well meaning people without sufficient training or experience.

Of course there are situations when a tourniquet is a life saver, but there are also many, many situations where incorrectly applied tourniquets will cause limbs to be lost unnecessarily or caused severe tissue or nerve damage.