Wilderness First Aid Mistakes And Why I Don't Carry a Tourniquet

To carry a tourniquet or not to. That is the question! Plus some first aid mistakes and improvised tourniquet for wilderness survival.
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[@dennisseverns4014]

I was trained as a combat lifesaver in the early 90s, when they stressed IV therapy. So we carried the old style Combat/Battle Dressings, Cravats and IVs and SAM splints in our Combat Lifesaver kits. We were taught improvised tourniquets and improvised chest seals. When I got out of the Army I kept that kit, minus the IVs, and it became the basis for my truck first aid kit. Roughly 12 years later in 2003, I was still carrying that kit. There was a guy I was working with at a tree company, who cut his arm pretty bad with a chainsaw. After getting him to the ground, I had him put pressure on it, and I opened one of those Cravats, the Cravat literally fell apart in my hand. Then the Battle Dressings I opened up, the cotton wrap just fell apart as well. Ended up using a piece of T-shirt to make a restriction band to slow the bleeding, them had to dig around in the bag till I found an ace bandage to use with the Battle Dressings to create a pressure bandage. My training went back to the days when we were taught that tourniquets we're bad and only used as a last resort. Turned out this guy probably did not need a tourniquet, but it made me realize I needed to update my training as well as the equipment I carried. Since then I have done wilderness first aid, emergency first responder, MARCHE and TCCC training.

[@STOKERMATIC]

So glad you were they for your coworker!

[@Z7d3nR4]

The folks who were life-savers, medics, and such, who are able to use their knowledge in civilian life are some of the most valuable members of our society.

[@dennisseverns4014]

@@Z7d3nR4 have to agree, medical protocols have definitely changed, for the better since I was first trained, war does that.

[@lorkainenkingg8497]

Great points, Stoke! Especially the one about the TQ causing pain when applied properly! My position is: "carry one if you want (but know how to use it correctly); or don't."

[@johnburgin7478]

Riggs is pretty outspoken on this topic as well . Don’t own any but debated on getting one for each vehicle. Solid video. Have a great day

[@alramlebsi549]

Thanks Stoker. This was the tourniquet video youtube desperately needed. No other tourniquet video on ytube i have seen (and i have looked) even comes close to touching this video.

[@STOKERMATIC]

🙏

[@Old52Guy]

Every outdoors person should watch this and take notes.

[@mikec.8556]

Glad you brought up the facts about tourniquets …..

[@229dave46]

Great points, Great Channel!!

[@lancebrown9567]

Good video and points raised. One thing I see a lot is guys thinking that just because they bought the tq they're good. That if they have hemorrhaging and apply a tq that's where the care stops.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Great point!

[@caborico0677]

Tourniquet use wasn't on my radar screen as gear for my wilderness aid and honestly I agree training training training is a critical element for the proper use. Thank you for producing this video. Always high standards I come to expect from Stoker!

[@STOKERMATIC]

🥃

[@ricksilver7398]

Cravat is the old school way, and that's all we used in the 70s. I'm not sure when they issued the turnickit. Poncho was used for sucking chest wounds. It seems to constantly change, but the end result is what makes the in the end

[@terrymeals6098]

Great info , thanks

[@elric68]

I carry a SOFT and a RAT tourniquet in the car kit, and usually have one in the daypack. It’s light enough to be cheap insurance to have on hand. Some experts say if you conceal carry, one should have one… which seems reasonable. I say if you plan on using an ax in the woods, one should also have one. Cutting accidents happen, and when seconds count it pays dividends to apply a readymade tourniquet and figure out how to egress the area. Definitely taking a “Stop the Bleed or a civilian TCCC course” regularly (maybe once a year or every other…?) to maintain proficiency, sort of like CPR. Good thoughts Top!!! Keep up the Fire!

[@mehmetkupeli8611]

Another Grrreat! Video! Very timely

[@acerrubrum5749]

Excellent, thanks

[@deanoverton4440]

Yes I just watched your video on turniqit and when I was much younger I was tought field first aid and one of the things I was tought was improvising a turniqit was to use two bandanas as a turniqit in a pinch and I thank you for your videos I have learned a lot and I thank you for that sire

[@Guazi]

Thank you for the info

[@oldschooltakingyaback]

Got trained by Dark Angel Medical, and I'll still carry my TQ. It's just a simple thing to carry for me, but that statistic about only a couple thousand used? That was surprising. I'd just rather have something ready to go than to be creating one on the fly.

[@MicahFunk]

Good reminders for anyone

[@keithrayeski6417]

There’s nothing I can add here. A whole lot of great advice has been shared! Thanks for initiating the conversation Top! I have them. I carry them. I doubt very highly, that I will ever USE them. But, better to have it and not need it! The valuable point was the kit that sat unused for 12 years and had turned to dust. Check your kids! Update your supplies. Know HOW to use it…the rest will work itself out. Another STOKED special episode!!👊🏻🇺🇸😁

[@STOKERMATIC]

☝️☝️

[@MichaelR58]

Good video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@recondo4u]

Good stuff!

[@alvintarrer6914]

Thank you

[@stevenkeithley4336]

Hi Stoker great video bud keep'em coming. I myself use a very minimum first aid kit. I would use my belt if needed, it's not leather lol. I do carry ace bandedges though. Stay safe and be well brother. 👊😎🤙🍻🇺🇸

[@STOKERMATIC]

👊🥃

[@stacywilliams1710]

Good job Sir

[@brentwentfishing]

Thanks for the information Top. I have two in my vehicle first aid kit and hope that I never need to use them. That four-count exercise should take care of those pearls! 🤣

[@STOKERMATIC]

Better to have and not need!

[@GruntProof]

good stuff dude!

[@STOKERMATIC]

🥃

[@celsocosta4845]

Hey great video, what brand JACKET are you wearing? I like it

[@stewarttrains98]

That wasn't the "exercise" I was expecting. But that was a good one.

[@STOKERMATIC]

🤣😂🥃

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Good stuff Top. Also, most Rifle Slings are the perfect width for an ad hoc TQ, not so much necessary if you're rolling full Battle Rattle and have multiple TQ's on you, but it's useful info for Hunters. That exercise is hilarious!!! Hahahahahahahahahaa 🤣

[@STOKERMATIC]

🥃

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

@@STOKERMATIC 🍻

[@Alienshark]

This is great

[@BackcountryTripper]

Well said, agreed 100%

[@jamest5081]

My only problem with improvised TQs is that they aren't one handed. So, if your arm is wounded and you need a TQ, thats a problem. I also find them pretty tough to apply compared to commercial ones. Having used CATs quite a few time in my career, I have seen the effectiveness. So, someone who uses this technique you showed has to consider that downside: self application to the upper extremity will be impossible. That said, it is a nice middle ground: having the cravats and something to make a windlass gives some TQ capability, which mitigates some of the risk of not having one. I also think that anyone who carries a gun in the woods absolutely needs one. If someone has a gun with them, the probability of a bullet wound is much higher.

[@Mr_A_Observations]

if im armed i usually have a TQ. If im chainsawing I carry a TQ as most injuries are to legs and arms. I also keep a few in my truck after coming upon accidents with people suffering from severe open fractures. If you do carry one, get training. At least take a stop the bleed course. Stay frosty everyone!

[@STOKERMATIC]

☝️☝️

[@johndalessandro6433]

Went to the local surplus store, the number two items I was looking for was a turnacit (sp?) And a Israeli bandage. They didn't have either. I learned how to make one out of a bandana but I'd rather use the real thing. Plus it's been a while since I've had first aid training, military, firefighter/ vehicle rescue technician , and at work. But I need a updated class cause things change so often. The Israeli bandage in most cases is good enough for direct pressure. But ya never know. Great video again Stoker!'I didn't think about setting up your turnacit as you showed us so thanks for another tool I can put I'm my tool box. And most of all, knockin' them pearls out will do me perfect for when I get the next ass reamin' from my wife lol

[@STOKERMATIC]

🤣😂

[@Z7d3nR4]

Very knowledgeable dog.

[@zefsurvival7962]

Good video. I probably agree that people need to assess their daily situation, and probably in most cases, if they are truthful, they are not carrying a TQ. My life experience is that people fail to invest in training ... sadly if you are well trained with a TQ and improvised TQ, you would probably have a real TQ available...and if you are not trained the average person with mess up putting on either correctly. It's similar to my pet peave about improvised fire's anyone who is Good at improvised fire's will not be caught dead without a lighter. Equipment without real-world training is just a survival Goodluck charm. If I remember correctly after the Boston marathon bombing... a study was done, and not 1 improvised TQ was effective... Basically, invest in training.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Great thoughts! Wasn’t tracking that about the marathon, interesting.

[@johnnyrebel5458]

I’m probably the only person that doesn’t carry a tourniquet. I do have a couple on my plate carrier though. What I carry is just some simple exercise bands(tubed) for tourniquets. They work excellent,I’ve had to use them at work twice so far. A plus is if you have lost or broken a band it only cost a couple bucks to replace. Not upwards of $30-$50 for a tourniquet.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on!

[@Just_Chuck_It]

As a police officer, former EMT and having received a ton of training in combat medical and lifesaving as I am a squad leader in our local community Emergency Response Team (ERT). I can tell you that a tourniquet being as light weight as they are, it's worth the weight and it's worth the money. As long as you understand the limitations, have received appropriate training, and you make sure that you maintain your tourniquet properly there is no reason to not carry one. 3 biggest mistakes. 1) improper storage. Storing it on the exterior of your kit that exposed to UV light that tourniquet will only be viable for about 1 year. 2) have the tourniquet staged properly. 3) have training....... This one can't be emphasized enough....... Personally, I prefer the SWAT-T tourniquet. It is not only a tourniquet, it is also a pressure dressing, sling, wound wrap, ect. It is absolutely an effective tourniquet and it is effective on children, has the instructions right on the unit, and it is light weight and can be carried in a pocket. I keep the SWAT-T in my outdoors kits for these reasons.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Appreciate ya and your service to your community!!

[@joefennell7535]

Always a great one to toppers

[@miken7629]

When I was hiking on Appalachian Trail (2019) there was a machete attack that killed one and severely injured another. After that I added tourniquet, gauze roll, cohesive wrap, and 5x9 sterile bandages. Hope it never gets used but I have it in case someone needs help. Would only use tourniquet on arterial wounds. We are often so far away from help, with no cell service, that if a tourniquet has to be used, it will take hours or days to get that person to a hospital, and that limb will be lost.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Can be better to have and not need, than to need and not have.

[@outdoorvideoswithbrad]

Ya I never understood the hype on tourniquet either, I do lots of camping and hiking and fixed plenty of my own wounds and only ever used electrical tape which saved my finger cause one time I almost cut the tip of my finger off but managed to stop the bleeding right away with electrical tape that I always carry in my pocket cause it’s water proof, and the second thing I use is gauze, I got all kinds of medical supplies for wounds and stitches and only own one tourniquet, a bandanna or rope can do the same in a pinch

[@TheMountainRN]

I agree tourniquet is overhyped for none tactical environment. The Society of wilderness medicine in it’s recommendation go with direct pressure and pressure dressing before the tourniquet. Tactical medicine has it’s own approach and logic for its used. That’s where people confused them. One category i would add either carry special hemostat dressing or Even a tourniquet is people on anticoagulant. They would have more difficulty controlling the bleeding. Even report of people requiring transfusion from leeches.I have some in my hunting kits but a SWATT one in my regular kit. Can have multi used ans doesn’t take that much space in case i need it. I have replaced my cravate by koban now. More multi-used from splint , wound protection, sprain, bleeding even, never tested, i could see do a good improvised tourniquet.

[@mehmetkupeli8611]

I count the Cadence you count the reputations !

[@STOKERMATIC]

🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

[@warlord2pfa]

The more you know... 👍

[@nexthubbins]

They WILL BE USED at higher levels on revolution or without rule of law. Thus the need to inventory them. And carry during firearms trading woodwork.

[@marclucier2533]

I prefer an Israeli bandage. Came up on a car wreck a couple of years ago. The guys forearm was pumping blood out. Applied the Israeli, until paramedics showed up

[@STOKERMATIC]

So glad you were on the scene and took care of the injured!

[@jaygibson5057]

I have always walked past another person on the trail.

[@josephkuser3998]

😂😂😂 that intro!

[@TAVAAR7]

For the algorithm!

[@STOKERMATIC]

🥃

[@Dingleowl1582]

👍

[@brandyhouston2105]

More exercises please!...lol..🤯🤔😎...question? How many hours can Rigs boy chase that stick?😁🐕 As to tourniquets, I always carry one but haven't learned the neck tie method for shutting up politicians/communists. If they're bleeding us dry....umm..If their bleeding...😎🤨

[@STOKERMATIC]

All the hours! 🤣😂 And when you find one, lemme know 👊🏴‍☠️

[@johnphillips9711]

OMG 😂😂😂 pearls dropping every where

[@STOKERMATIC]

🤣😂

[@TheQuantumPotato]

I basically agree with you - people definitely seem to think that a TQ is the be-all and end-all of treating traumatic injuries, and you're much more likely to need something like a regular bandage or pressure dressing. At the same time, I think it's one of those "rather have it and never need it" kind of things. Sometimes I take a hatchet out to the woods with me, sometimes I don't. If I have to remember to pack my TQ when I take the hatchet and I end up forgetting to pack it the one time I bury the thing in my leg and sever an artery like an idiot, I'm going to feel like an even bigger idiot bleeding to death in the woods when I might have been able to give myself a chance. So for that reason, I just always have it in a molle pouch on my gear in addition to an Israeli dressing, bandages, and regular first-aid stuff like a casualty blanket, band-aids, etc.

[@STOKERMATIC]

☝️☝️

[@heathcoat67]

here is some more "tears of a commy" for your flask.

[@STOKERMATIC]

🥃

[@AntiFederalist58]

Anyone who carries a firearm should carry a tournament. I keep two IFAKs in the car at all times. Tourniquets were a no-no when I first started EMS training. How things change.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Indeed!

[@tomporter7185]

Is this a piece of gear that you would recommend a dummy cord for? lol

[@STOKERMATIC]

🤣😂

[@ericl7917]

If all those tourniquets are sold every year but only a few thousand are used......who keeps buying them?

[@STOKERMATIC]

Great Q. Military buys a TON, imagine 1st responders do we well - plus all of the schools will replace their training stock. Or - someone is a hoarder. 🤣😂

[@louiemorris9598]

They have their place. When working the MARCH algorithm. With limited time and manpower. But like all skills. Medical is a perishable one. A good course to take is T.C.C.C..

[@STOKERMATIC]

☝️☝️

[@kfinkelstein]

Why plan to improvise something that is so easy to carry, and potentially so important?

[@STOKERMATIC]

Same reason I carry a map and compass.

[@nedkarcich7973]

I stopped carrying a tq in the woods. I carry an Israeli much more practical and with a stick it becomes a tq

[@STOKERMATIC]

Right on

[@rdaugherty52]

I was a armed guard for 28 years God told me yes I hear from him occasionally he says get a Israeli bandage and a cat tourniquet yes sir right away. Now I have a separate back pack full of first aid equipment. Now I might not take it all with me maybe in the vehicle. One instance when a tourniquet could have been used a friend was cutting wood with a chain saw and dropped it on his leg above the knee he was one of those hard heads that thought no big deal no need to tell anyone and then he began to get dizzy from blood loss Now he's about 30 minutes from a hospital at the fastest. The Dr said he only had a few minutes before he would have been dead you never know. Now I just got in the mail a practice sewing kit to stich somebody up in a emergency hope that never happens.

[@STOKERMATIC]

Plenty of kits out there to get some practice! Glad your friend made it!

[@wackzingo]

The entire prepper industry is built on selling far more useless and more expensive equipment to people preparing for far more unlikely situations. Tourniquets aren't that expensive at $30-50, they're small enough to easily bring with you and will last for many years and has the potential to saves lives. I just see no good reason why anyone shouldn't have one if they can afford one.