How to Create a Tourniquet

Did you know the average active shooter event lasts 3-5 minutes, but it takes EMS and police about 10 minutes to show up?

How can you treat the injured before EMS arrives?

The majority of the wounds you’ll see during an active shooter event include some degree of blood loss. You must address major blood loss first before other injuries. Remember, every second counts!

How to Fashion a Tourniquet

Tourniquets are a great way to stop blood loss from a limb and can be created with household objects. A tourniquet consists of 3 components: a loop, stick, and lock. For the loop, you can use items like belts, ties, and computer cables. The stick can be a remote, a pair of metal scissors, or any straight, rigid object around 6 inches long.

First, you must tie the stick in place over the bleeding extremity to keep it from unraveling. Go as high on the extremity as possible and tie an overhand knot. Apply the stick and tie another overhand knot. Twist the stick and apply pressure. Once the blood flow has stopped, secure the stick.

Never apply a tourniquet over a knee or elbow. If these areas are bleeding, place the tourniquet a few inches above the joint. Check on your tourniquet frequently to make sure it’s still working, but never remove it.

Learn other ways to stop bleeding.

Create an Active Shooter Response Plan for Your Workplace

To some, it might seem unnecessary to learn how to respond to injuries because they believe their risk of an active shooter event is low. Risk is not just about probability - it’s a combination of probability, vulnerability, and consequences. Use this formula to get a true picture of your risk. 

It’s your duty to prepare your workplace and keep your staff safe. You can teach your staff what to do in preparation of an active shooter event or other type of workplace violence with online training. TPOP’s active shooter preparedness training will help you create an active shooter response plan customized for your workplace.

Let’s talk today about your company’s risk.

How to Locate Arteries and Stop Major Bleeding

Is your workplace prepared for an active shooter event?

Do you have a response plan in place?

Do you have Stop the Bleed kits? 

The average active shooter event lasts between 3-5 minutes, but it takes police and EMS about 10 minutes to arrive on the scene. Before they arrive, your employees are on their own. They need to be prepared to act as a first responder for themselves and the injured.

How to Stop Major Bleeding

Use pressure points: apply pressure to the primary artery that delivers blood and press on it to pinch it closed. You can find arteries based on their pulsing. If you’ve found the right artery, the bleeding will slow down dramatically.

Major bleeding from arms: The artery you need to close is most likely the brachial artery, which is located above the elbow bone, between your large upper arm muscles. To close this artery, make your hand into a “c” shape and apply pressure to the area.

Major bleeding from legs: You’ll need to close the femoral artery, which is located near the top of your thigh, in the crease of the groin. This artery may require more pressure to close. Press down on the area with your body weight onto the heel of your hand. If more pressure is needed, use your knee.

Where to Source Bandages

Bleeding from the neck, armpit, and groin can’t be closed using pressure points or tourniquets. These areas must be bandaged to help form a clot. You can use towels, clothes, and socks as improvised bandages. Hold the bandage for at least 5 minutes firmly and directly over the wound to ensure you’ve stopped the bleeding.

Learn more about responding to injuries.

Create an Active Shooter Response Plan for Your Workplace

To some, it might seem unnecessary to learn how to respond to injuries because they believe their risk of an active shooter event is low. Risk is not just about probability - it’s a combination of probability, vulnerability, and consequences. Use this formula to get a true picture of your risk. 

It’s your duty to prepare your workplace and keep your staff safe. You can teach your staff what to do in preparation of an active shooter event or other type of workplace violence with online training. TPOP’s active shooter preparedness training will help you create an active shooter response plan customized for your workplace.

Let’s talk today about your company’s risk.