New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

What is the preferred method of bleeding control for an extremity injury that is not responding to direct pressure?

1. Apply ice to the injury

2. Use a splint to immobilize

3. Apply a tourniquet

4. Monitor the patient's vital signs only

The correct answer is: Apply a tourniquet

The preferred method of bleeding control for an extremity injury that is not responding to direct pressure is to apply a tourniquet. When direct pressure fails to halt significant bleeding, a tourniquet becomes necessary as it effectively occludes blood flow to the injured area. Applying a tourniquet works by compressing the blood vessels to prevent blood from reaching the site of injury, thereby controlling life-threatening hemorrhage. Situations requiring a tourniquet often involve severe injuries, such as those from trauma or penetrating wounds, where traditional methods may not suffice. It is crucial to apply the tourniquet in conjunction with proper techniques—such as placing it above the injury site and tightening it until bleeding stops. Other strategies, like applying ice or using a splint, may help manage pain or immobilize the injury but do not directly address the critical issue of uncontrolled bleeding. Monitoring vital signs is important in overall patient assessment but does not offer a solution to actively stop the hemorrhage. Thus, in emergencies, the application of a tourniquet is a vital intervention that can significantly increase the chances of patient survival when bleeding is severe and life-threatening.