In TCCC, which intervention is prioritized for controlling severe bleeding?

In Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), controlling severe bleeding is crucial for preventing hemorrhagic shock and increasing the chances of survival. The application of a tourniquet is prioritized because it is a highly effective method for rapidly stopping life-threatening hemorrhage from extremity injuries.

A tourniquet works by occluding blood flow to the affected limb, thus allowing time for further medical intervention while minimizing blood loss. Its ease of application and immediate effectiveness make it the first choice in situations where severe bleeding is present and cannot be controlled by direct pressure alone.

While wound packing can be useful for managing bleeding in certain scenarios, it is typically used in conjunction with tourniquet application rather than as the initial approach. Surgical evaluation is important for long-term management of injuries but is not a first-line intervention in the acute phase of traumatic bleeding. Elevation and ice may be beneficial for soft tissue injuries in non-combat situations, but they do not adequately address severe bleeding from trauma in a tactical environment.

By prioritizing tourniquet application, responders can quickly manage severe hemorrhage, thus improving survival rates on the battlefield.