Hotshot007
Forum Probie
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Hey all, I desperately need a hand figuring out the proper protocol regarding use of a tourniquet in the field, as it is much diffetrent than from when I first certified. I am recertifying for EMT-B after my cert lapsed in March. I wasn;t actively using it in a heath care setting (construction labor risk assessment contracting instead), so I couldn;t roll over my work experience as a recertifying factor, so I have to go thru the paperwork all over again.
Unfortunately, when I was first certified 3 years ago, all paperwork and a lot of local protocols was done thru local agencies instead of the state wide stuff, and some of the local agencies in my area had differing protocols about tourniquet use. I was taught 3 years ago to use it only as a VERY last resort or in case of an obvious extremity amputation. Then when I went and recertified for my skills tests, I was told that they changed again and tourniquets were in again. So I am asking, what is the CA state protocol regarding the use of tourniquets? And if so, is it specific to the local protocols or have they finally mandated state-wide standard protocols as well? Tried getting it off the CA EMS Board website, but that;s like sifting thru a dump of new, possibly old and definitely outdated data and regulations for what I need....
Unfortunately, when I was first certified 3 years ago, all paperwork and a lot of local protocols was done thru local agencies instead of the state wide stuff, and some of the local agencies in my area had differing protocols about tourniquet use. I was taught 3 years ago to use it only as a VERY last resort or in case of an obvious extremity amputation. Then when I went and recertified for my skills tests, I was told that they changed again and tourniquets were in again. So I am asking, what is the CA state protocol regarding the use of tourniquets? And if so, is it specific to the local protocols or have they finally mandated state-wide standard protocols as well? Tried getting it off the CA EMS Board website, but that;s like sifting thru a dump of new, possibly old and definitely outdated data and regulations for what I need....