What is the function of a tourniquet in wilderness medicine?

The function of a tourniquet in wilderness medicine is primarily to apply pressure and control severe bleeding, particularly in cases of traumatic injuries where there is a risk of life-threatening blood loss. A tourniquet works by compressing blood vessels in a limb, effectively stopping or significantly slowing the flow of blood. This method is crucial in situations where there is arterial bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct pressure alone.

Using a tourniquet as a first aid measure is especially important in remote settings where access to medical help may be delayed. By controlling severe bleeding, a tourniquet can buy time for the injured person until they can receive professional medical treatment. It is essential to use a tourniquet correctly, ensuring it is placed above the injury site and not over a joint to maximize its effectiveness.

While other options mention important aspects of wilderness medicine, they do not relate directly to the specific function of a tourniquet in managing severe bleeding. Keeping a limb warm, stabilizing a broken limb, or preventing infection are relevant to different interventions and aspects of patient care but do not describe the primary life-saving role of a tourniquet.