When applying a tourniquet, what indicates successful control of bleeding?

• A. Pulses Return In The Proximal Limb
• B. Bleeding Has Ceased Distal To The Tourniquet And Distal Perfusion Is Maintained
• C. The Casualty Stops Moving
• D. Skin Around The Tourniquet Becomes Red

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that successful tourniquet use is shown by stopping the bleeding from the wound beyond the device while keeping the limb tissues distal to the tourniquet adequately perfused. When the bleeding has ceased distal to the tourniquet, you’ve achieved hemorrhage control. At the same time, distal perfusion being maintained means the limb isn’t completely deprived of blood flow, so you can monitor tissue viability (color, warmth, capillary refill) while the bleeding is controlled.

Pulses returning in the proximal part of the limb aren’t a reliable sign because a tourniquet can obscure or alter pulses and don’t directly reflect hemostasis. The casualty stopping movement doesn’t indicate bleeding control. Red skin around the tourniquet isn’t a sign of success; it can signal irritation or changing perfusion status.