What should be done with a tourniquet once it is applied?

Once a tourniquet is applied, it is crucial to leave it in place until professional medical help arrives. A tourniquet is used to control severe bleeding, particularly in cases where direct pressure is not effective. Removing the tourniquet prematurely can result in a resurgence of bleeding, which can be life-threatening depending on the severity of the injury.

It's important to note that tourniquets can cause tissue damage if left on for extended periods. However, the priority in an emergency situation is to manage the immediate risk of hemorrhage until advanced medical personnel can take over. Therefore, maintaining the tourniquet's position is vital to ensuring the safety and stability of the injured person.

The other choices suggest actions that could compromise the effectiveness of the tourniquet or potentially cause harm. For example, removing the tourniquet if bleeding stops does not account for the possibility that the bleeding could restart. Checking or changing the position of the tourniquet at regular intervals is also inappropriate as it can lead to further complications, including unnecessary exposure to bleeding and disruption of any clotting that might have begun.