Anything can be used as a windlass, as long as it is strong enough to hold the tourniquet and can be secured in place. Consider using pens or pencils, sticks, spoons, or even a piece of pipe like that in the photo.
How to Use a Tourniquet
By Rod Brouhard, About.com
Updated April 23, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Add a Windlass
Use any object strong enough to twist the tourniquet as a windlass.
© Rod Brouhard
Place a stick or other item strong enough to act as a windlass (a lever that will twist the tourniquet tighter) on the knot and tie the loose ends of the tourniquet around it in another square knot (see photo).
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