What type of bleeding does applying a tourniquet primarily address?

A tourniquet is specifically designed to control severe bleeding, particularly from arterial sources. When a large artery is damaged, it can lead to rapid blood loss and pose a significant threat to life. The application of a tourniquet works by constricting blood flow to the affected limb, effectively stopping the arterial blood from reaching the site of the injury. This method is crucial in situations where direct pressure alone may not be sufficient to control the hemorrhage.

In contrast, other types of bleeding, such as venous bleeding and capillary bleeding, typically require different first aid approaches. Venous bleeding, while it can be significant, usually does not demand the same level of immediate intervention as arterial bleeding and can often be managed with direct pressure and elevation. Capillary bleeding, being the least severe, is often resolved through simple measures like applying a clean dressing. Minor wounds may not need a tourniquet at all, as they are not life-threatening and can usually be addressed using less invasive techniques. The focus of a tourniquet is specifically on the critical situations of arterial bleeding where urgent control of blood loss is paramount.