In addition to cleaning a wound, sterile gauze pads can and should be used to control bleeding; the net-like weave will help blood clot stemming blood flow. Keep in mind for major bleeding, do not remove the gauze to look at the wound, this just allows the bleeding to resume, just keep adding gauze pads. With gauze pads wrapped with a snug (not overly tight) roller gauze bandage, direct pressure and elevation of the affected limb, generally most bleeding can be controlled. Occasionally, it may be necessary to apply direct pressure to a pressure point between the wound and the heart. A tourniquet is a last resort and is ALMOST NEVER needed if good direct pressure is applied. The use of a tourniquet should be applied by individuals trained to do so, as it can result in the lost of the limb and even death.