However, do not place the victim in this position if there has been a head, neck, back, or leg injury or if the position makes the victim uncomfortable. Get medical help as soon as possible. Bleeding from most injuries can be stopped by applying direct pressure to the injury. This keeps from cutting off the blood supply to the affected limb. When there is severe bleeding, where a major artery has been severed, pressure may be insufficient and a tourniquet may be necessary.
Tourniquets are an effective way of stopping bleeding from an extremity.
Pressure from tourniquets must be relieved periodically to prevent damage to the tissue from lack of oxygen.