In treating a casualty, what is the first priority after applying a tourniquet?

After applying a tourniquet, the first priority is to secure the tourniquet effectively. This ensures that it remains in place and maintains its effectiveness in controlling the hemorrhage. An unsecured tourniquet may loosen, which could lead to significant bleeding and complications for the casualty. Ensuring that the tourniquet is tight enough and properly positioned is critical in life-threatening situations where controlling blood loss is vital for survival.

In a combat or emergency situation, immediate measures need to be taken to stabilize the casualty, and securing the tourniquet supports that goal. Once the tourniquet is properly secured, attention can then be directed to assessing vital signs, checking for other injuries, and notifying command, but securing the tourniquet must come first to effectively manage the immediate threat of exsanguination.