What is the purpose of a tourniquet in TCCC?

The purpose of a tourniquet in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is primarily to control life-threatening extremity hemorrhage. In situations where a patient has severe bleeding from a limb that cannot be controlled by direct pressure or other methods, applying a tourniquet can effectively occlude blood flow to the affected area. This action prevents significant blood loss, which is vital for survival in trauma cases.

Tourniquets are specifically designed to be used in emergencies where rapid intervention is required, and their correct application can significantly increase the chances of a casualty's survival. They are not intended for use on minor wounds, as the potential damage to tissue and nerves outweighs the benefits in less severe cases.

Additionally, tourniquets are not used to immobilize fractured limbs or relieve pressure from a wound. Instead, their sole purpose is to stop the life-threatening hemorrhage that can occur from traumatic injuries, reinforcing their critical role in TCCC protocols.