In reply to spenser:
> A paramedic led me to believe that anyone who wasn't as qualified as a paramedic had no business applying a tourniquet as they couldn't judge the point at which one was required correctly, I didn't think there was any doubt about their efficacy given that soldiers were wearing them on patrol in Afghanistan due to the high IED risk.
Depends entirely on the situation but I would agree with said paramedic. They are useful bits of kit, but have some points to consider before, during and after use. Plus there was a recall on certain makes of CAT TQs after fake ones were found to break and be ineffective, and ones bought from appropriate services should be used.
The Services will have correct ones, but little Johnny do gooder who bought one on eBay And has had a 10minute YouTube teach him how to use it? No thanks.
> Anything which improves the general public's awareness of first aid procedures is however a good thing, nothing like being the only first aider at hand to focus your mind in the event of a serious injury...
Agree whole heartedly. But at the same time, with a terrorist incident, people should know when to leave the area and stop making it difficult for the professionals to do their job.