Comparative clinical trials of tourniquets and elastic bandages for emergency hemostasis at the pre-hospital stage

Рurpose of the research : to evaluate an effectiveness of use of two different construction types of tourniquets (belt type/elastic band/bandage and tourniquet) for extremities arterial haemostasis on volunteers. Research problem : to complete comparative research of the tourniquets and elastic bandages in the research on volunteers; to evaluate the effectiveness of tourniquets for arterial haemorrhage on extremities; to compare an effect of use of tourniquets and elastic bandages; to evaluate the possibility of the treatment of prolonged external haemorrhage by an ambulance. Materials and methods : the research has been held on 20 volunteers. The following items were the research objects: tourniquet ЖК‑01; ЖК‑02 designed by Medplant and haemostatic elastic bandage with the loop fastening “Alfa”. The research included 2 stages: use of the items on summertime and wintertime military uniform of participating volunteers. The items were used on upper and lower extremities as a self‑help and as mutual assistance. Studied parameters : time of application, effectiveness of haemostasis, ergonomic characteristics, the level of discomfort in the place of application of the researched items. Results : the research results demonstrate that both items‑elastic bandage and the tourniquets effectively stop external arterial haemorrhage. Tourniquets ЖК‑01 and ЖК‑02 and elastic bandage Alfa have been found to decrease their effectiveness when applied to the wintertime military uniform, which is explained by the presence of extra layers of fabric. Tourniquets ЖК‑01 and 02 allow to level down the discomfort in the place of application in comparison with the bandage Alfa. The benefit of usage of tourniquet type of bandage is that controlled compression may be applied that enables to control the haemorrhage during evacuation and in the hospital. Conclusion: tourniquets ЖК‑01 and ЖК‑02 by Medplant are promising tools to be used in injured and wounded patients by ambulance services.