# AI recommends elevating a severely bleeding limb instead of applying a tourniquet, contrary to Stop the Bleed guidelines

- **ID:** `emergency/bleeding-control-elevation-not-tourniquet`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `BLEED-ELEV-ERR-002`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

The AI generalizes first-aid advice for minor bleeding (elevation) to severe hemorrhage, ignoring that tourniquets are the standard for life-threatening extremity bleeding per the Hartford Consensus and Stop the Bleed campaign.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Stop the Bleed 2023 | active | — | — |
| Hartford Consensus v4 | active | — | — |
| TCCC Guidelines 2021 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Add explicit rule: 'For severe bleeding from a limb, immediately apply a tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound. Do not elevate.'** (92% success)
   ```
   Add explicit rule: 'For severe bleeding from a limb, immediately apply a tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound. Do not elevate.'
   ```
2. **Implement a severity check: 'If blood is spurting or pooling rapidly, instruct to apply tourniquet; otherwise suggest direct pressure.'** (85% success)
   ```
   Implement a severity check: 'If blood is spurting or pooling rapidly, instruct to apply tourniquet; otherwise suggest direct pressure.'
   ```
3. **Reference 'Stop the Bleed' protocol in training data: 'Tourniquets save lives—apply tight enough to stop bleeding, note time.'** (88% success)
   ```
   Reference 'Stop the Bleed' protocol in training data: 'Tourniquets save lives—apply tight enough to stop bleeding, note time.'
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Suggesting direct pressure alone for 10 minutes without tourniquet** — Direct pressure is insufficient for arterial bleeding; tourniquet is needed to stop life-threatening hemorrhage (70% fail)
- **Recommending pressure points instead of tourniquet** — Pressure points are ineffective in modern trauma care; tourniquets are faster and more reliable (80% fail)
- **Telling users to 'apply ice to reduce swelling'** — Ice does not stop active bleeding and delays definitive care (90% fail)