Abstract

GONZALEZ ALONSO, V. et al. Does the tourniquet improve the survival of the fighter in conflict zones?. Sanid. Mil. [online]. 2015, vol.71, n.1, pp.22-28. ISSN 1887-8571.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1887-85712015000100004.

Background: The use of tourniquets has been in the wars as a therapeutic element to control the external bleeding, however, their use has been surrounded by controversy and superstitions, despite its proven utility. This review assesses the benefits of the tourniquet in care of the wounded soldiers in modern warfare. Pre-hospital use of the tourniquet is widespread and notarized as in the military context, and is based on scientific studies and clinical experience for the use of these devices in ZO. Objectives: To analyze by reviewing the references found the benefits and drawbacks that offer these devices and whether it improves survival fighter with external bleeding members. Material and Method: Literature review of several clinical studies in various combat areas of the last eleven years. Results: The analysis of several studies have shown that early use of the tourniquet on the battlefield, an improvement in survival rates and decreased morbidity and mortality, consumption of blood and therefore the economic costs treatment of such injuries. This literature review aims to demonstrate that early use of tourniquet ZO increases the survival of the casualty who have external bleeding in combat.

Keywords : Tourniquet; Control bleeding; External bleeding; Combat.

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