The use of tourniquets in the Australian Defence Force
The value of the tourniquet in an exsanguinating patient on the battlefield is irrefutable. However, there remains controversy regarding the use of tourniquets in patients with poorly controlled haemorrhage and in those where evacuation may be prolonged.
Issues regarding tourniquet use in large frontline operations have been raised in the recent literature, and recommendations based on these experiences have been implemented by US Forces. However, the application of this experience to Australian Defence Force (ADF) deployments remains controversial.
Most ADF Specialists agree that combat tourniquets are a potentially life-saving device, however there remains divided opinion regarding their implementation. Between Units, Corps and Forces, there has not been a unified approach to tourniquet indication, training or implementation. The suitability of introducing tourniquet guidelines for ADF personnel being deployed on operations has been raised, given the spectrum of combat casualty, and variation in
time and distance to reach a treatment center.
This paper discusses the history of tourniquet use on the battlefield. After consultation with senior medical ADF Specialists, we propose a model for the appropriate use of battlefield tourniquets.
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