The tourniquet is a lightweight, compact, and highly efficient device that can be used to assist in the control of life threatening extremity hemorrhage. The tourniquet utilizes a ratchet mechanism to obtain a mechanical advantage when tightening the tourniquet. A ratchet assembly is located a distance away from a strap end of the tourniquet and overlays a contiguous portion of the strap, allowing the tourniquet to be tightened while minimizing pinch, and further includes an elongated ratchet lever for ease of use, requiring minimal, if any, fine motor skills. The design also includes an indicator region for assistance in use of the device and a sealed and tapered strap-end with indicator for efficient use.