Tourniquets
Which Tourniquet Do I Purchase?
Here is the list of tourniquets approved by the Committee on Tactical Combat and Casualty Care:
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Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) Gen 6
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Ratcheting Medical Tourniquet -Tactical (RMT-T)
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SAM Extremity Tourniquet (SAM-XT)
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SOF Tactical Tourniquet – Wide (SOFTT-W)
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Tactical Mechanical Tourniquet (TMT)
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TX2” Tourniquet (TX2)
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TX3” Tourniquet (TX3)
How Do I Use A Tourniquet?
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First, make sure you remove the tourniquet from all packaging (plastic and/or box) and loop end through buckle. This is way your tourniquet is ready to go!
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If possible, remove clothing over wound to best be able to see the bleeding site. It is best to use trauma shears.
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Apply tourniquet above the wound; leave 2 - 3 inches of uninjured skin between the tourniquet and the wound.
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Route the velcro band around the limb and pass the velcro tip through the inside slit of the buckle.
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Pass the velcro tip through the outside slit of the buckle. The buckle will lock the band in place.
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Pull the band very tight (YES, VERY TIGHT!) and securely fasten the band back on itself (to the velcro).
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Twist the rod (called the Windlass) until bright red bleeding has stopped and the distal pulse (wrist pulse or foot pulse) is no longer felt.
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Place the rod inside the clip; locking it in place. Check for bleeding and distal pulse. If bleeding is not controlled, consider additional tightening or applying a second tourniquet proximal side by side to the first and reassess.
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Secure the rod inside the clip with the strap. Record the time of tourniquet application on the velcro that covers the clip. Recheck the distal pulse and recheck for bleeding while waiting for ambulance. Never leave the victim! Also, monitor for shock.
