Do you carry a tourniquet when diving?

[rjack321]

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.

New to the internet? lol

 

[happy-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 [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.

I don't open ScubaBoard notifications

 

[wlecyt40]

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

No the tourniquet doesn't increase the chances of amputation. That is not the reasoning for it's use. They are applied to restrict the flow of blood, to assist in combating the onset of hypovolemic shock and blood loss. There is a good chance that it you are having to use a tourniquet, there is a high likelihood amputation in the patients future, unfortunately.

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

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 is 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.

Double duty resources are a big help. A bandana or two can be turned into a tourniquet. Don’t underestimate the power of cloth diapers as well. Not for the ‘young-uns’ but as a clean bandage. Keep em clean in ziplock bags.

 

[Zach The Diver]

Double duty resources are a big help. A bandana or two can be turned into a tourniquet. Don’t underestimate the power of cloth diapers as well. Not for the ‘young-uns’ but as a clean bandage. Keep em clean in ziplock bags.

They can indeed work in a pinch but it is always better to have the tool you need for the job. Applying a purpose-built tourniquet is always more efficient and effective, important elements to consider when seconds count during a massive hemorrhage and adrenaline is wrecking your situational awareness and fine-motor skills.

Now to assist with a non-massive venous bleed that doesn’t require much more than some pressure and elevation? Different story.

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

They can indeed work in a pinch but it is always better to have the tool you need for the job. Applying a purpose-built tourniquet is always more efficient and effective, important elements to consider when seconds count during a massive hemorrhage and adrenaline is wrecking your situational awareness and fine-motor skills.

…point well taken

 

[kinoons]

Double duty resources are a big help. A bandana or two can be turned into a tourniquet. Don’t underestimate the power of cloth diapers as well. Not for the ‘young-uns’ but as a clean bandage. Keep em clean in ziplock bags.

I’ll re-post my response to the use of nonstandard tourniquets. At best they are a poor substitute, at worst they only make things worse.

If you are concerned about needing a tourniquet, carry a real tourniquet.

I strongly disagree with both of the above. The answer for extremity arterial bleeding is a purpose built tourniquet.

Rubber hose? No thanks. Shoe lace or dew rag? No thanks. Prior research and experience demonstrates that improvised tourniquets are less effective and potentially more damage.

Bleeding Control Basic Training Among Laypeople Applying Different Tourniquet Types

This crossover randomized clinical trial assesses whether participants completing the American College of Surgeons Bleeding Control Basic training with Combat Application Tourniquets can effectively apply bleeding control principles using other tourniquet types.

jamanetwork.com

https://www.stopdebloedingredeenleven.nl/app/uploads/2020/02/10.1007_s00068-019-01202-5-Cornelissen-EJTES-2019-2.pdf

Diapers and tampons can be used to absorb blood and as a dressing, yes.

 

[MacDuyver]

I’ll re-post my response to the use of nonstandard tourniquets. At best they are a poor substitute, at worst they only make things worse.

If you are concerned about needing a tourniquet, carry a real tourniquet.



Diapers and tampons can be used to absorb blood and as a dressing, yes.

DO NOT USE TAMPONS OR DIAPERS TO CONTROL HEMORRHAGE.

Neither actually controls the bleeding, they just absorb blood that could otherwise be contained in the body with an actual dressing. Tampons in particular shed particles and are associated with vastly increased chances of sepsis. If you’re building an aid kit, get some actual woven gauze and some actual pressure bandages.

The tampons thing is one of the worst urban legends in trauma.

 

[leavenotrace]

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.

Really? We've taught direct pressure with elevation to tourniquets for 15 years. Must be fat old lazy EMT's who only know the way they learned it in school.

 

[leavenotrace]

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

Nope because it doesn't.