What makes a Tourniquet both Safe and Effective?

Tourniquets save lives—but only when they apply the right amount of pressure. In this article, AutoTQ inventor Hannah Herbst explains how tourniquet pressure works, why cuff width matters, and how modern pneumatic tourniquets can stop bleeding safely without excessive force.

Drawing on decades of peer-reviewed research and real-world testing, Hannah breaks down the differences between windlass and pneumatic tourniquets, explains why wider cuffs require lower effective pressure, and shows how AutoTQ uses controlled, stepped inflation to achieve arterial occlusion—often at or below 300 mmHg.

Using Doppler ultrasound, the clinical gold standard for tourniquet testing, AutoTQ has demonstrated reliable blood-flow occlusion while prioritizing patient safety. Learn how tourniquet pressure is measured, why “tight” doesn’t always mean “effective,” and how thoughtful design can make bleeding control simpler, safer, and more consistent.