When should a tourniquet be loosened once applied?

A tourniquet is a critical tool in bleeding control during emergencies, and understanding when it should be loosened is vital for effective care. Once applied, a tourniquet should never be loosened, as doing so can potentially allow for the reestablishment of blood flow and may lead to severe complications, including the risk of exsanguination if the bleeding resumes.

This practice is based on the principle that a tourniquet is used when direct pressure or other means to control bleeding are ineffective, and it is intended to be a temporary measure until definitive medical treatment can be administered. Loosening it can compromise the measures taken to control life-threatening hemorrhaging.

While some might consider other factors such as time or transport to medical facilities, it is crucial to maintain the integrity of the tourniquet in all scenarios until a medical professional can take over and assess the situation in a controlled environment.