Learning to control severe bleeding is one of those skills where watching it done beats reading about it. We pulled together the ten most-viewed YouTube videos on applying a tourniquet, ranked by actual view count, so you can start with what the most people have found useful.
Across the list you’ll find a mix: real-world combat footage, quick demonstrations under two minutes, and longer classroom-style walkthroughs from hospitals, trauma surgeons, and preparedness channels. Whether you want a fast visual answer or a deeper training session, there’s a video here that fits.
1. Ukrainian soldier filmed calmly applying tourniquet after he was shot in the arm in Severodonetsk
The Telegraph · 2.8M views · 1:13 · 2022
The most-viewed video on this list isn't a tutorial at all – it's Telegraph news footage of a Ukrainian soldier treating his own arm wound mid-battle in Severodonetsk. At just over a minute, it's a raw, real-world look at why this skill matters rather than instruction, but it's a striking watch. Best for viewers who want context and motivation before the how-to videos below.
2. Stop Bleeding ⎮ Save Lives
PrepMedic · 2.5M views · 21:17 · 2022
PrepMedic's 21-minute deep-dive is the longest video here and the closest thing to a full course on bleeding control. It frames the skill as an everyday one, not just for tactical scenarios, and covers traumatic situations broadly. Pick this if you want depth rather than a quick answer.
3. How to: Effective improvised tourniquet from a leather belt
The Prepared Norseman · 835.6K views · 1:07 · 2019
At barely over a minute, The Prepared Norseman shows a single improvised option built from a leather belt. It's a tight, no-frills demonstration for the viewer wondering what to do when no commercial device is available. Ideal if you're short on time and curious about improvised gear.
4. How to use a Tourniquet in an Emergency
Mayo Clinic · 559.7K views · 3:17 · 2015
Mayo Clinic's entry features a Level I trauma center director demonstrating proper use in about three minutes. It also touches on who should keep a tourniquet on hand and why. A trustworthy, medically authoritative pick for a quick but credible overview.
5. Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) Instructions
North American Rescue – Official Channel · 541.8K views · 5:59 · 2017
This is the official manufacturer's walkthrough of the Combat Application Tourniquet from North American Rescue, running about six minutes. If you own or plan to buy a C-A-T, this is the natural first watch, straight from the source, with application tips included.
6. Stop the Bleed Tourniquet Training
NorthsideGwinnett · 515.6K views · 6:49 · 2017
A trauma program manager and RN leads this roughly seven-minute training made in partnership with the national Stop the Bleed campaign. It has a classroom-style feel from a hospital channel. Good for viewers who want a nurse-led, campaign-aligned demonstration.
7. Stop The Bleed: Tourniquet Application
PrepMedic · 505.1K views · 10:04 · 2018
PrepMedic's second entry is a ten-minute detailed look built around the NAR CAT, with a handy timestamp so you can skip straight to the application portion. It also references the SOF-T for comparison. Suits someone who wants more detail than a quick demo but less than the 21-minute video above.
8. How to Apply & Tie a Tourniquet When Drawing Blood or Starting an IV
RegisteredNurseRN · 466.5K views · 1:47 · 2014
This one's a different context entirely: RegisteredNurseRN covers tying a tourniquet for drawing blood or starting an IV, aimed at nursing students. Under two minutes and clinical in focus. Only pick this if your interest is medical practice rather than emergency bleeding control.
9. How to Stop the Bleed
UC San Diego Health · 410.4K views · 4:18 · 2017
UC San Diego Health has a trauma surgeon demonstrate responses across three scenarios, starting with having no equipment at all, in about four minutes. It's part of the national Stop the Bleed awareness effort. A solid middle-ground choice: surgeon-led, scenario-based, and not too long.
10. The Hartford Consensus: How to Use a Tourniquet
American College of Surgeons · 350.5K views · 2:36 · 2016
Dr. Lenworth Jacobs, chair of the Hartford Consensus, leads this two-and-a-half-minute demonstration from the American College of Surgeons. It's short, official, and rooted in the national protocol developed after mass casualty events. A good pick for viewers who want the authoritative version in minimal time.
Ranked by YouTube view count as of October 29, 2026. View counts move around, so the order here reflects the day this list was compiled. All videos belong to their respective creators – watching them here plays them directly from YouTube, so views and any ad revenue still go to the channel.
