How should a properly applied tourniquet feel on the patient?

A properly applied tourniquet should feel firm and apply high pressure to effectively control hemorrhage from a severe extremity injury. The main purpose of the tourniquet is to occlude blood flow to the affected area, and this requires the application of sufficient pressure to compress the blood vessels. In a medical emergency where significant bleeding occurs, achieving hemostasis is essential, and a tourniquet that is too loose will not stop the flow of blood.

When placed correctly, the tourniquet should be tight enough that the patient may feel discomfort, but this discomfort is a necessary trade-off for stopping potentially life-threatening bleeding. Additionally, it may cause pain at the site of application, which is an expected reaction when high pressure is applied to restrict blood flow. Therefore, the correct understanding of how a tourniquet should feel emphasizes its role in effectively managing severe bleeding emergencies.