When should a tourniquet be used?

A tourniquet should be used specifically for life-threatening bleeding from limbs. This is because a tourniquet is designed to constrict blood flow and prevent excessive blood loss in situations where direct pressure and other methods of bleeding control are insufficient. Life-threatening bleeding typically involves severe injuries where arteries may be damaged, leading to rapid blood loss that can cause shock or death if not properly addressed.

In cases of minor bleeding from cuts, the appropriate intervention would generally be to apply direct pressure to the wound and possibly use a bandage. Similarly, for deep wounds on the abdomen, a tourniquet is not suitable and could exacerbate the situation or lead to further complications, as abdominal wounds might require different medical intervention. The use of a tourniquet for all types of bleeding is not advisable either, as it may cause unnecessary harm for injuries that can be managed with less invasive techniques.