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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Original Article

Evaluating tourniquet use in Swedish prehospital care for civilian extremity trauma

Authors: Eric Wellme, Victor Mill, Carl Montán

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 6/2021

Abstract

Purpose

The use of tourniquet (TQ) is today a well-documented and lifesaving adjunct to control bleeding from extremity trauma in the military setting. Since August 2015, the ambulance services in Stockholm, Sweden are equipped with TQs. The implementation and potential complications related to TQ use have so far not been evaluated. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prehospital use of TQ for haemorrhage control in extremity trauma. Possible complications following the use of TQ were analysed.

Methods

A retrospective, descriptive cohort study of extremity haemorrhage for all patients (n = 56) with a documented prehospital use of TQ admitted to the trauma centre at Karolinska University Hospital from 1st August 2015 to 31st December 2017 was conducted. Data regarding TQ use including indication, duration, bleeding volume, complications and definitive injury were analysed.

Results

Out of 63 placements of TQ in 56 patients, TQ stopped the bleeding effectively in 98.2% of the cases and the TQ time varied from 15 to 100 min. The overall complication rate was 30.1%; however, complications possibly related to TQ use were 3.6%. In 16 (28.6%) cases, the TQ were used for a non-life-threating haemorrhage which may have been stopped with direct pressure only.

Conclusion

This study shows TQs to be an effective but overused tool in haemorrhage control. The use of TQ was not associated with any severe complications, implying the safety and effectiveness of the device in the civilian setting if TQ time is kept under 100 min.

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Title: Evaluating tourniquet use in Swedish prehospital care for civilian extremity trauma
Authors: Eric Wellme
Victor Mill
Carl Montán
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-020-01341-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Evaluating tourniquet use in Swedish prehospital care for civilian extremity trauma

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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