When would it be appropriate to use a tourniquet for bleeding control?

Using a tourniquet for bleeding control is appropriate when there is significant, life-threatening bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct pressure or other methods. In situations where there are multiple critical issues, applying a tourniquet can help gain valuable time for further medical interventions. This option recognizes the need for prioritizing life-threatening conditions—administering a tourniquet allows the responder to mitigate the immediate risk of exsanguination while addressing additional urgent concerns, which is essential in a wilderness context where advanced care might be delayed.

Tourniquets are indicated specifically for severe, traumatic injuries where arterial bleeding is present, and not for minor cuts or scrapes, which can be addressed by other means, such as direct pressure and elevation. They would not be applied if the bleeding has already stopped, as the goal is to control active bleeding, nor are they appropriate for all traumatic injuries, as indiscriminate use could lead to unnecessary complications.