Why is it important to record tourniquet time on a casualty card?

• A. To Track Weather
• B. To Calculate Medication Dosage
• C. To Monitor Heart Rate
• D. To Guide Ongoing Hemorrhage Control Decisions And Evacuation Timing

Answer: (D)

Recording tourniquet time is about tracking how long the limb has been without adequate blood flow to guide subsequent care. A tourniquet stops bleeding, but it also risks limb ischemia the longer it stays on. Knowing when the tourniquet was applied lets responders decide how long bleeding can be safely controlled, when to reassess or adjust the device, and, crucially, when to expedite evacuation for definitive care. It helps the receiving facility understand the ischemia window and plan surgical or other interventions accordingly. The other options don’t address hemorrhage control decisions or transport timing.