Use of tourniquets and their effects on limb function in the modern combat environment.

Abstract

Tourniquets have been called powerful lifesaving devices by some authors, whereas others say they cause more harm than good. Given recent emergency tourniquet developments in scientific design of devices, widespread user training, modern doctrine based on evidence, and thorough fielding to users within an integrated trauma system with rapid evacuation, tourniquets have shown minor morbidity and major lifesaving results. Trauma systems with poorly designed devices, inadequate user training, no tourniquet doctrine, or slow casualty evacuation, however, have repeatedly shown severe morbidity and mortality. Tourniquets may save lives if the right device is used in the right way at the right time for the right patient.