Charleston, WV (WOAY) – West Virginia is leading the nation with a first-of-its-kind protocol that allows EMS crews to remove tourniquets in the field safely, and after one year of data, it’s already showing promise.
Health officials developed the statewide tourniquet takedown protocols after realizing that while tourniquets stop life-threatening bleeding, leaving them on too long can cause severe damage, even limb loss.
Dr. P.S. Martin and Dr. Greg Schaefer built a two-step process that teaches EMS how to reassess and remove a tourniquet safely.
Of nearly 100 documented cases since June 2024, 20 percent had their tourniquets removed, and most didn’t need them reapplied.
Notably, none of those patients worsened, and over 60% showed clinical improvement.
Now, the data is going national.
Dr. Martin presented the findings this spring, and organizations like NASEMSO are utilizing them to develop national protocols.
Officials say it’s a step forward in emergency care and a model for states across the nation.
For more information, visit dhhr.wv.gov.
