Do you carry a tourniquet when diving?

[CRT2]

After reading all these comments, will be adding tourniquets to my dive gear and to my wife’s.

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

After reading about the young boy that was bitten by a shark while snorkeling at Looe Key, I am thankful that a tourniquet and a person that knew how to apply it were close by. They may have saved the boy's life. It would be interesting to know how many of you carry a tourniquet while diving, what brand, and where you stow it? Having one immediately available seems like a good idea to me, could certainly afford one, but am a bit unsure where I would put it on my bp/w along with all of the other emergency equipment I carry on dives. Of course, I realize getting bit by a shark, struck by a prop, or other major bleeding events are not likely, and could be fatal with or without a tourniquet. However, considering all the other safety gear I carry, this might be a game changer in an emergency.

Something to think about… if not on a licensed charter ( who SHOULD have all kinds of first aid stuff ) much of this equipment and supplies aren’t thought of. I need to check my gear bag for some of the FA stuff I have and keep it up to date. …a throwback from my DM classes and subsequent DM duties in my dive club and on local dive shop trips.

 

[34109411]

After reading about the young boy that was bitten by a shark while snorkeling at Looe Key, I am thankful that a tourniquet and a person that knew how to apply it were close by. They may have saved the boy's life. It would be interesting to know how many of you carry a tourniquet while diving, what brand, and where you stow it? Having one immediately available seems like a good idea to me, could certainly afford one, but am a bit unsure where I would put it on my bp/w along with all of the other emergency equipment I carry on dives. Of course, I realize getting bit by a shark, struck by a prop, or other major bleeding events are not likely, and could be fatal with or without a tourniquet. However, considering all the other safety gear I carry, this might be a game changer in an emergency.

i assume it could be part of any emergency kit on the boat or on the shore. maybe a bit overkill on your bp/w.

Be safe

 

[Zach The Diver]

No. Keep some paracord in your spares kit. You can use it for many more purposes than just a tourniquet.

Paracord is not a substitute for a tourniquet. At all. Not wide enough to effectively clamp the artery to the bone and stop blood flow (which is what a TQ does) and what do you plan to do for the windlass as you or your buddy are bleeding out? This is not a very well-thought out take.

OP, this is a good question and one I’ve thought of before. I used to carry a North American Rescue CAT in my dry suit pocket but now I’d argue that it’s more-or-less pointless to carry one. The water (especially saltwater) destroys the tourniquet. Unless you make it a point to provoke a shark or play on the surface around drunk boaters your risk is almost negligible. I don’t carry them on dives anymore, but topside is a different story. It’s always a good idea to have one available close-by.

If you were able to keep them sealed until you had to use it, I’ll just say that I WOULDN’T not recommend one. Once I get into deep tech diving I may begin carrying one again.

 

[Zach The Diver]

If there’s other options available, ie pressure and elevation… actually you shouldn’t use a zip tie as a tourniquet at all, it’s too thin, it’s a issue to get off, limb ischemia/ compartment syndrome
Is a real thing and there’s actual tourniquets out there.
You should also mark the time you applied the TQ by writing it on the PTs forehead and never apply over a joint.
Someone who’s had a traumatic injury w/ blood loss, needs to be have the bleeding stopped, kept warm and fluid replacement immediately.

Mark time on the actual TQ if possible. Everything else said here is absolutely correct.

 

[Zach The Diver]

Is that because use of a tourniquet substantially increases the likelihood of needing to amputate?

No. Old, outdated information. Unless the TQ is left on for 6 hours or more that ain’t gonna happen.

 

[Zach The Diver]

I carry thick zipties in my dry bag and have used them. They absolutely stop the blood flow, but the EMT's were really pissed when they saw them. They do work perfectly for our close to land diving area.

They were pissed because they are inadequate and increase the chance of compartment syndrome. They may “work” but invest in actual tourniquets. Good on you for taking action but use the correct tool for the job when possible.

 

[Rob9876]

No. Old, outdated information. Unless the TQ is left on for 6 hours or more that ain’t gonna happen.

This thread is crazy. I made no statement, merely asked a question 2 years and 4 months ago, directed to a specific person, asking why the EMTs were upset at that person. I got 1 thumbs down years ago (for asking a question), 1 thumbs down today [edit, now 2], and a snippy "dead people don't need amputations" (thanks Sherlock). Y'all just ignore my old post, it was a question that was not directed to you.

 

[Zach The Diver]

This thread is crazy. I made no statement, merely asked a question 2 years and 4 months ago, directed to a specific person, asking why the EMTs were upset at that person. I got 1 thumbs down years ago (for asking a question), 1 thumbs down today, and a snippy "dead people don't need amputations" (thanks Sherlock). Y'all just ignore my old post, it was a question that was not directed to you.

Relax man. It’s not that crazy.

 

[newman_diver]

I have one in my dive first aid kit. DAN first aid courses teach the use of a tourniquet. Good piece of kit to have and know how to use.