If a casualty with a tourniquet is being evacuated, which action should you take first to manage life-threatening bleeding, if present?

• A. Elevate the limb
• B. Apply ointment
• C. Reassure the casualty
• D. Control hemorrhage

Answer: (D)

Controlling hemorrhage is the immediate priority when there is life-threatening bleeding. With a tourniquet already in place, the first step is to verify that bleeding is being stopped by the tourniquet—ensure it’s applied correctly, tightened enough, and not loosened. If bleeding continues, adjust or replace the tourniquet to restore control of the hemorrhage. Other actions like elevating the limb, applying ointment, or simply reassuring the casualty do not stop life-threatening bleeding as effectively, and thus aren’t the first priority. Once hemorrhage is under control, you can proceed with other essential steps and evacuation.