What should you do if a tourniquet does not stop the bleeding?

When a tourniquet is applied but does not successfully stop the bleeding, it is crucial to reassess the situation. Tightening the tourniquet increases the pressure on the blood vessels, helping to occlude them more effectively and prevent further blood loss. This step is especially important in situations where severe bleeding, particularly from a limb, poses a life-threatening risk.

Reassessing involves checking the applied tourniquet's position, ensuring that it is placed correctly, and confirming that it is still effectively constricting the blood flow. If the bleeding continues despite the tourniquet being in place, tightening it can provide the additional pressure needed to stop the hemorrhage. This is a vital skill in Combat Life Saver practices where seconds can make a difference in saving lives.