What is the main purpose of using a tourniquet?

The main purpose of using a tourniquet is to control severe bleeding from a limb. When a person experiences significant blood loss due to a traumatic injury, applying a tourniquet can effectively stop or significantly reduce the flow of blood to the affected area. This is particularly critical in emergencies where quick action is necessary to prevent hypovolemia or shock, which can be life-threatening. By constricting the blood vessels, the tourniquet creates a pressure point that helps maintain blood flow to vital organs while minimizing blood loss from the injury.

In contrast, stabilizing a broken bone involves immobilizing the fracture site but does not directly address bleeding. The prevention of infection is typically managed through wound care measures rather than with a tourniquet, and pain relief is achieved through medications or other methods, not through the application of a tourniquet. Thus, using a tourniquet specifically targets the immediate concern of severe hemorrhage in emergency situations.