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just read that bottom article.
Remember EMT's and most first responder training is taught with the premise that equipment and transportation are immediately available. In this scenario most are taught that a Tourniquet is used as a last resort.
In the event of a shark attack, or even if you slip with your fillet knife and sever something like a femoral artery, while on the water in a kayak that tourniquet should be your first choice.
I can talk about this stuff for a bit. Im CPR and basic first aid qualed, Combat life saver, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care trained. I also taught TCCC for 3 years.
There are many other things to consider.
If a major vessel is severed, like the femoral artery, death is imminent. 30 seconds may be all the individual has until they go into irreversible shock(Death will occur). So you must ask yourself if you can assess a situation and apply a TQ in much less than that. almost all will confirm that a tq can not be applied in such a short amount of time.
The answer- pressure. Apply pressure to pressure points above the wound, along the arteries. there are many diagrams out there. its easier to show or just feel for them. for the legs they are located high on the inside of the leg near the groin. and for the arms its inside near the armpit. easiest way to describe them is when pressure is applied, it hurts. there is a nerve that runs along with the femoral and brachial arteries. so if you apply pressure to the nerve it hurts, if it hurts your on the nerve, if your on the nerve your on the artery. This will reduce blood flow and buy time to get the tourniquet on.
if your applying a tourniquet to another person, use your knee for the pressure. this leaves both hands free. in your applying a tq on yourself. a pressure point may not be practical and speed may be your only chance.
Take my advice with a grain of salt and do your own research and PRACTICE.
I have seen MANY people fail at properly applying tourniquets properly.
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