What is the purpose of using a tourniquet?

The use of a tourniquet is specifically intended to control severe bleeding by occluding blood flow to a limb. When a person suffers from a traumatic injury that results in significant hemorrhaging, applying a tourniquet effectively constricts the blood vessels, preventing more blood loss until further medical help can be provided. This is a critical intervention in situations where direct pressure is insufficient to control the bleeding and is considered a life-saving measure.

While stabilizing a fracture, providing warmth, or preparing a patient for transport are all important aspects of emergency care, they do not describe the primary function of a tourniquet. The vital role of a tourniquet is focused on managing exsanguination in cases of traumatic bleeding, making it an essential tool in an emergency responder's arsenal.