When should you not use a tourniquet?

Using a tourniquet is a critical decision in first aid management, particularly for severe bleeding. The correct choice highlights that a tourniquet should be applied only in the event of life-threatening bleeding when direct pressure has not successfully controlled the flow of blood. This is because tourniquets can lead to significant complications, including tissue damage and loss of limb function, if used unnecessarily or incorrectly.

In cases of minor wounds that do not bleed, other simple measures such as applying direct pressure and a clean bandage are sufficient. Using a tourniquet in these situations would be inappropriate and potentially harmful. Likewise, while a tourniquet may be necessary for severe injuries on a limb, its use should always be dictated by the severity of the bleeding and not solely by the location of the wound. For a conscious individual, the use of a tourniquet is not solely dependent on their alertness; rather, the key consideration remains the severity of the bleeding. Thus, the application of a tourniquet is reserved for critical scenarios where immediate action is necessary to save a life.