One thing I've noticed is that a lot of paramedics in these type of threads (on other forums) tend to downplay tourniquets. It's usually something along the lines of "only used one once in 15 years," or something similar. It was pointed out that if the paramedics arrive in 7-10 minutes, and the victim bleeds out in 3-5 minutes, he or she is clearly past the point of needing a tourniquet, which is why so few get used by paramedics. Well, that, and that they are likely to just directly clamp the artery shut.
As polecat said, it would be challenging to get a tourniquet on oneself before passing out from blood loss. Given that the alternative is either direct pressure or spending a few moments to get right with God before expiring, I'd rather go out doing my bleepedest to stay among the living, or at least have the tools on hand to help others. I don't rate my chances of ever being able to use a tourniquet on myself very highly, especially if I'm injured enough to need one, but it will be there should the need arise. Most folks that carry guns for self defense will never need them either, but when you need one, you need it immediately, not a week later.
In a world full of sheep and wolves, be the sheepdog.
