In the event of injury or open fracture, heavy bleeding is possible. Of these, arterial - the most dangerous among other species. If a large vessel is damaged, the patient may die from bleeding in 2-3 minutes. Such patients require emergency medical care, which consists in stopping blood flow in this area. If the upper or lower limb is damaged, then a hemostatic Esmarch harness is used. There are other types of accessories for stopping blood, but the principle of application and the algorithm of actions are not different.
Esmarch type styptic rubber tourniquet is the most convenient and practical in such situations. It is a rubber tape (less commonly a tube) 1.5 meters long. On the one hand, the surface is slightly convex, and on the other, concave. Esmarch’s styptic rubber tourniquet in its design has a chain and a hook for fixation at the ends.
Indications for use
This device is used by medical professionals strictly according to indications. Vascular compression is carried out in such cases:
- with arterial bleeding;
- during operations to stop blood flow;
- with intravenous injections;
- for taking blood from a vein for analysis;
- sometimes a tourniquet is applied to the carotid artery using a splint.
The device can be applied as an arterial tourniquet (to stop bleeding) and as a venous (for taking blood or for parenteral administration of drugs). They differ in the force of compression.
Strap Application Steps
An Esmarch styptic tourniquet for compression of the artery is applied according to the following rules:
- The patient’s arm or leg is elevated to reduce blood flow.
- To prevent pinching of the skin and minimize pain, a towel or cloth is placed under the tourniquet.
- On the lower limb, a hemostatic Esmarch tourniquet is used on the thigh (except for its distal third, there are a large number of tendons). On the upper - on the shoulder (with the exception of the middle part, where the nerve trunks pass, there is a threat of squeezing them).
- Under the limb, stretch the tape with the concave side inward so that the left side is shorter than the right.
- Pull the tourniquet and with the right hand from the bottom up, applying effort, make a turn to the left, clutching a limb.
- The next round is done similarly. Each subsequent layer is slightly weakened, it should overlap the previous one in order to avoid pinching of soft tissues.
- Fasten the hook to a chain or tie.
- In case of injury, narcotic analgesics are administered and limb immobilization is performed.
Performance monitoring
Esmarch hemostatic tourniquet is applied correctly if:
- bleeding has stopped;
- there is no ripple in the arteries;
- arm or leg is pale and cold.
If the limb turns blue at the end of the procedure, this means that the veins are compressed and the artery is not blocked. A venous tourniquet is applied. Repeat the procedure and tighten the tape harder.
A small note with the indicated time of the manipulation is placed under the upper turn. In the cold season, the duration of the procedure should not exceed 30 minutes (be sure to cover), in the warm - up to 1 hour. After this time, the device must be removed for several minutes to restore blood circulation. At this time, the artery is clamped by the finger method. The manipulation can be repeated, but already above the previous place. It is advisable that two people deal with the injured. One removes the tourniquet, the other compresses the vessel. Total time should not exceed 2 hours. Otherwise, necrosis may occur.
Contraindications to its imposition
But it is not always possible to use Esmarch's styptic tourniquet. Such a blood stop is contraindicated in the following cases:
- children under the age of 3 years (apply finger pressing);
- with anaerobic infection;
- with purulent lesion of the site of exposure;
- if there is severe arteriosclerosis of the arteries.
During transportation, the limb should occupy an elevated position. If immobilization is carried out, the tourniquet should not be closed. The patient is urgently hospitalized for the final provision of necessary medical care.
Esmarch hemostatic tourniquet - a necessary device to stop arterial bleeding, serves to temporarily stop blood flow. Its presence is necessary at all emergency stations and first-aid posts. Its correct and timely use saved more than one life.