Quick Answer
Use a tourniquet to control bleeding from severe limb injuries during hunting accidents, applying it between the wound and the body, with a pressure point 2-3 inches above the wound, and tightening until bleeding stops, not too tight to prevent nerve and muscle damage.
Applying the Tourniquet
Apply the tourniquet between the wound and the body, with the windlass tightened until bleeding stops. The tourniquet should be placed 2-3 inches above the wound. Use the windlass to tighten the tourniquet in a figure-eight pattern. A minimum of 2 turns is required to ensure proper tightening. Use a stick or other object to tighten the windlass if the wound is in an area difficult to reach.
Wound Assessment and Tourniquet Removal
Assess the wound for severe bleeding and the tourniquet’s effectiveness before removing it. If the bleeding does not stop after 30 minutes, and the limb is pale, cool, or numb, the tourniquet may need to be left in place until medical help arrives. When removing the tourniquet, do so slowly and carefully to prevent a surge in blood flow that may cause a re-bleed.
Pre-Hunt Tourniquet Preparation
Before heading out on a hunt, prepare by packing a tourniquet in your first aid kit or on your person. Know the proper application and removal techniques, and make sure to check the expiration date of your tourniquet. Consider taking a wilderness first aid course or other training to learn specific techniques for treating hunting-related injuries.
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