skip to main content

Ineffective improvised tourniquet — DipIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyPre-Hospital Trauma ManagementIneffective improvised tourniquetDipIMC

A 26-year-old woman is stabbed in the upper thigh. A bystander has applied a belt that reduces bleeding but distal pulses remain present and bright red bleeding continues. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Replace with a commercial tourniquet proximal to the wound and tighten until bleeding stops

A makeshift constricting band that does not stop life-threatening bleeding should be replaced by an effective tourniquet if this can be done without losing control. Tourniquet effectiveness is judged by haemorrhage control, not pain alone. Intermittent release risks catastrophic rebleeding and clot disruption. The pearl is to document time of application and reassess for bleeding during handover.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025; NICE Major Trauma NG39