Why is it advised to avoid loosening a tourniquet once applied?

The recommendation to avoid loosening a tourniquet once it has been applied is primarily grounded in the risk of significant blood loss and the difficulty of effectively reapplying the tourniquet. When a tourniquet is tightened, it occludes blood flow to the extremity and controls hemorrhage. If the tourniquet is loosened, even slightly, it can allow blood to flow back into the affected area, potentially leading to re-bleeding, which can be life-threatening, especially in cases of severe trauma. Additionally, once loosened, it is challenging to reapply a tourniquet effectively; doing so may not achieve the same level of compression needed, further jeopardizing the victim's chances of maintaining hemostasis.

Understanding the gravity of arterial bleeding and the necessity to maintain pressure is crucial in trauma care. It is widely accepted in tactical emergency medicine that once a tourniquet has been placed, it should be left in place until a medical professional can manage the injury, ensuring that the patient's chances of survival remain optimal.