A 25 year old male has a deep laceration on his right forearm and continues to bleed despite direct pressure. What should you do?

In a scenario where a patient has a deep laceration on the forearm that continues to bleed despite the application of direct pressure, applying a tourniquet proximal to the laceration is the most appropriate intervention. A tourniquet is designed to occlude arterial blood flow to a limb and control severe bleeding that is not manageable by direct pressure alone. This method is particularly crucial in cases of traumatic injuries where there is a significant risk of hemorrhagic shock or life-threatening blood loss.

The effectiveness of a tourniquet lies in its ability to create sufficient pressure to stop the flow of blood, dramatically reducing the risk of further blood loss while facilitating potential transport to advanced medical care. It also allows for the treatment of more serious injuries efficiently, as it prevents the need for continual pressure application that may be ineffective.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that while rapid transport can be necessary in trauma cases, it should not come at the expense of directly addressing life-threatening bleeding. The application of a tourniquet is a critical step that may stabilize the patient before transport. Therefore, using a tourniquet in this situation not only addresses the immediate bleeding but also prepares the patient for further evaluation and intervention by healthcare professionals.