Note 18 — VIII. MEDICAL HINTS. (continued 3)

A tourniquet is a special instrument devised for the purpose of applying pressure to the main vessels of the limbs; in its absence, one may be improvised by rolling a handkerchief into a narrow band, and inserting a stone or a cork between its folds to serve as a pad; the pad is adjusted over the spot where it is proposed to compress the vessel, and the ends of the handkerchief knotted loosely round the limb. A stick is now slipped between the knot and the limb, and twisted round until sufficient pressure is exerted to arrest the bleeding.