Tourniquets, once controversial, seen as lifesavers in aftermath of Boston Marathon bombings

NEW YORK, N.Y. – In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, rescuers turned to an age-old medical device to save lives — the tourniquet.

They tied off bleeding limbs using belts, shirts and other materials. Doctors at Boston hospitals said such fast work no doubt saved many lives.

But as recently as a decade ago, emergency responders might have avoided the tourniquet. It was still caught up in a controversy about whether they were more trouble than they were worth.

However, studies from the Iraq war showed they were clear-cut lifesavers and they are now routinely issued to soldiers.

The American Red Cross continues to advise that direct pressure be applied to a wound except in extreme cases.