What should a paramedic record on the tourniquet or patient?

When a tourniquet is applied to a patient, it is crucial for the paramedic to document the time it was applied. This information is vital for several reasons. Firstly, the timing helps medical personnel understand how long the tourniquet has been in place, which is important for assessing potential complications that could arise from prolonged use, such as tissue ischemia or necrosis. Additionally, knowing the time allows the receiving healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding the patient's care and may influence treatment protocols upon arrival at the hospital.

While the other options—such as the patient's blood type, the reason for application, and the expected recovery time—can be relevant in a general medical context, they do not carry the same immediate importance as the time the tourniquet was applied. Recording the time ensures that the patient receives the most appropriate and timely care based on the duration of the tourniquet's usage.