What Are Effective Pressure Points for Hemorrhage Control?

Targeting the Femoral Triangle

The femoral triangle is located at the upper inner aspect of the thigh, just below the inguinal ligament. To apply pressure, the person should be in a supine position, with the knee flexed at 90 degrees. Using the fingers, the individual should apply firm pressure to the triangle, targeting the femoral artery. The pressure should be sustained for at least 5 minutes to assess the effectiveness of the control.

Applying Pressure to the Popliteal Fossa

The popliteal fossa is located at the back of the knee, just below the popliteal crease. To control bleeding, a person should be seated or lying on their side with the affected knee bent at 90 degrees. The individual should use their fingers to apply firm pressure to the popliteal artery, targeting the center of the fossa. The pressure should be maintained for 5 minutes, while also elevating the injured limb above the level of the heart.

Effective Tourniquet Use

A tourniquet is an effective means of controlling severe bleeding from the arm or leg. To apply a tourniquet, the individual should locate the limb just above the wound site and wrap the tourniquet around it. The tourniquet should be tightened until the bleeding stops, but not so tight that it causes nerve or muscle damage. The recommended windlass technique involves using a windlass stick to tighten the tourniquet in a figure-eight pattern, with at least 2.5 inches of slack between the tourniquet and the windlass stick. The tourniquet should be left in place until medical assistance can be obtained.