What is a hasty tourniquet used for?

A hasty tourniquet is specifically designed to rapidly stop massive bleeding from an extremity. This device is typically applied in emergency situations where there is a risk of significant blood loss that could lead to shock or death if not quickly controlled. The primary function of a tourniquet is to constrict blood flow to the injured area, allowing first responders and medical personnel to stabilize the patient until they can receive further treatment.

In situations involving traumatic injuries with substantial bleeding, a hasty tourniquet provides a vital method for hemorrhage control. Its design allows for quick application, making it an essential tool in trauma care scenarios, especially on the battlefield or in other urgent medical environments.

Other options address different aspects of medical care but do not align with the primary purpose of a hasty tourniquet. While controlling superficial bleeding or assessing pain levels are important in overall patient management, they are not the primary functions of a tourniquet. Additionally, applying a tourniquet to non-extremity injuries would not be appropriate, as tourniquets are specifically intended for extremities.