Hi All

In our sport there is always a risk of having an emergency where bloodflow may have to be restricted as soon as possible.

I've had a look at some tourniquets that can be used in an emergency situation, through one hand operation.
I think every boat should have one.

Please see the video below:

vimeo.com/26033705

www.survivaltechnology.co.za/pebble.asp?relid=22830
(Pricing is approximately R360)


meddev.co.za/index.php?page=shop.product...cchk=1&Itemid=79

every boat should have one of these MAT's ...forsure!!

A tourniquet can most certainly save a life. If you are not trained to use it properly you may cause more damage. Issues that arise are no circulation to the rest of the limb and formation of clotting. A tourniquet is the absolute last choice or option. I suggest a level 3 first aid course and if you are really into it do a diver medic course.

You're absolutely right, in that it should be used as a last resort, as there are numerous dangers that may occur due to it's use.
The level 3 first aid course sounds like a great idea.

Hey Stan, I’m not trying to put you off now, I know you well enough to know you are a responsible person and only has the next person’s best interest at heart.

There are important issues we must consider when rendering first aid to a victim … Ask yourself this one question, “Am I qualified to render assistances of the nature I’m confronted with? If so, go for it, but if not consider the consequence carefully and do the best you can without doing to much.
Why do I say this? … Because of the “LAW”. If you render assistance and the victim suffers permanent injury or dies, the victim, the family or even the authorities can open a case against you and you’ll have to go into a court of law and explain your actions. If you are found negligent in any form or way because you were not medically qualified or trained to perform what was NOT expected of you under the circumstances, you will be prosecuted. However in most case where an unqualified person renders first aid to a victim and things go pair shaped, you can always use the “GOOD SAMARITAIN LAW” in your favour and in most cases you’ll be absolved of any wrong doing if you can prove beyond the shadow of a doubt you acted as a responsible person and within your knowledge… I said in most cases.
First things first, get a Level 1 First Aid Course under your belt, you’ll learn all about when you should render assistance, thereafter enroll in a Level 2 & 3 for further development.

There must be serious hemorrhaging present if a tourniquet is required. This is all well to apply a tourniquet to a hemorrhaging limb but what about “shock management” ??? What if your buddy goes into shock and you do not know how to treat the victim for shock or can’t read “shock symptoms”? Again, all this is taught at Level 1 First Aid Course. I feel this is a better way of investing your hard earned bucks than purchasing something that could be more harmful if you don’t know how to apply it.

PS
We had a thread going sometime ago along similar lines “SHARK ATTACK PACK”. In that thread we mentioned a blood clotting pad which you can purchase in SA called “STOP CLOT”. Have a look at what was said within that thread and take it from there.
Alternatively, you can always look for that magic white powder ops medics use to stop bleeding in movies. I can’t remember the name, however I have found a very cool website www.first-aid-product.com/industrial/blood-stopper.htm , “KYTOSTAT” products which the US armed forces use for bleeding management. On this site they refer to the magic white powder as QR Powder. Go through this website and read what they have on the market. I’m not sure if we can buy any of the “KYTOSTAT” products in SA but I’m sure we’ll find the equivalent though.

Later,
Buddy

No worries at all matey .... Nothing wrong with some good advice.

I've actually wanted to do a first aid course for years now, but I just haven't gotten around to doing it yet.

Thanks for the sharing your knowledge, much appreciated.

See you soon buddy