After applying a tourniquet, what critical documentation must you record?

• A. Time of application and continue transport; do not loosen unless directed
• B. Direct pressure applied with gauze
• C. Time of removal
• D. Vital signs only

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to capture how long the limb has been deprived of blood, because the duration of ischemia directly affects tissue viability and informs urgent care decisions. Recording the exact time the tourniquet was applied provides a clock for later assessment by surgical teams and helps guide treatment once definitive care is reached. Keeping the tourniquet in place and continuing transport ensures ongoing control of the bleeding; loosening it too soon can cause a dangerous rebleed. Only loosen if you’ve been directed by medical control, and if that happens, document the removal time as well. This focused documentation of application time and the plan to continue transport reflects both the ischemia risk and the hemorrhage-control priorities in the field.