Don’t get caught without a combat application tourniquet

In emergency preparedness, few items are as vital as a combat application tourniquet. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a first responder, or someone who wants to be ready for the unexpected, carrying a combat application tourniquet can be a lifesaver. In situations involving severe bleeding, having a tourniquet in your kit can mean the difference between life and death.

That being said, let’s look at why a combat application tourniquet should be an essential part of your emergency gear, discuss where to carry it, and highlight the North American Rescue Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) as a top recommendation.

The Critical Role of combat application Tourniquets

When assembling a kit people remember things like a rifle and sidearm as well as boots and gloves, but when it comes to traumatic injuries, these things are not going to help. Injuries involving severe bleeding, especially from arterial wounds, time is of the essence. Whether it be from a gunshot, stab wound, or something else, a person can bleed to death in as little as five minutes if a major artery is severed. Combat application tourniquets are designed to stop life-threatening bleeding by compressing blood vessels and cutting off blood flow to the injured area. This allows first responders or bystanders to buy crucial time until professional medical help arrives.

Tourniquets are indispensable in situations where direct pressure alone cannot control bleeding. Military personnel, law enforcement officers, and paramedics commonly use them, but their utility extends to anyone who might encounter severe bleeding. Whether you’re hiking, hunting, working, or just want to be prepared, a tourniquet is a critical addition to your first aid kit.

Common Misconceptions About Tourniquets

Some people hesitate to include a combat application tourniquet in their kit due to misconceptions. For years, there was a belief that tourniquets could cause permanent damage to limbs or lead to amputation. However, modern medical research has shown that when applied correctly and for a short duration, the risks are minimal. The priority in an emergency is to stop life-threatening bleeding, and a tourniquet is often the most effective way to do so.

Another misconception is that tourniquets are difficult to use. While proper training is essential, most commercially available tourniquets are designed for ease of use, even for those with little to no medical experience. With a bit of practice, anyone can learn how to apply a tourniquet quickly and effectively.

Where to Carry Your Tourniquet

Having a tourniquet is essential, but where you carry it is equally important. Combat application tourniquets can be pretty big to carry, so you have to choose wisely. In an emergency, you need to be able to access your tourniquet quickly.

Here are three common places to carry your tourniquet:

Plate Carrier: For those in tactical environments, a plate carrier is an ideal location to store a combat application tourniquet. Most plate carriers come with MOLLE webbing, allowing you to securely attach a tourniquet pouch. Placing your tourniquet on your plate carrier ensures it is easily accessible when needed, whether you’re in training or an active scenario.
Duty Belt: If you’re in law enforcement or security, a duty belt is another excellent option for carrying a combat application tourniquet. Many duty belts come with specific pouches or attachments for medical gear. Having your tourniquet on your duty belt means it’s always within reach, allowing for rapid deployment in case of an emergency.
Backpack: For outdoor enthusiasts or anyone not in a tactical role, a backpack is a versatile option. Many backpacks have dedicated compartments or can be equipped with an external tourniquet pouch. Ensure the tourniquet is stored in an easily accessible location, not buried deep inside the pack. This way, you can grab it quickly when seconds count.

Each of these options has its advantages, and the best choice depends on your environment and how you intend to use the tourniquet. No matter where you carry it, make sure it is in a place where you can reach it quickly, even under stress.

How to Apply a combat application Tourniquet

Knowing how to apply a combat application tourniquet properly is just as important as having one. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply the North American Rescue CAT TQ:

Assess the Situation: Before applying the tourniquet, quickly assess the situation to determine the severity of the bleeding. If the bleeding is severe and cannot be controlled by direct pressure, a tourniquet is necessary.
Position the Tourniquet: Place the tourniquet around the limb, about 2-3 inches above the wound. Avoid placing it directly over a joint. If the wound is near a joint, place the tourniquet above the joint, but if it is a dire situation (such as an active shooter) then put the tourniquet on high and tight.
Tighten the Tourniquet: Pull the free end of the tourniquet through the buckle and tighten it as much as possible. This will begin to restrict blood flow.
Secure the Windlass: Twist the windlass rod to further tighten the tourniquet until the bleeding stops. Once the bleeding has stopped, secure the windlass in place using the bilateral windlass clip.
Check the Bleeding: After securing the windlass, check to ensure the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding persists, you may need to tighten the tourniquet further.
Note the Time: It’s essential to note the time the tourniquet was applied. Medical professionals need this information when providing further care.
Monitor the Patient: Continue to monitor the patient while waiting for professional medical assistance. Keep an eye on the tourniquet to ensure it remains secure and effective.

Applying a tourniquet is a skill that should be practiced regularly. Consider taking a first aid course that includes hands-on training with tourniquets to ensure you're prepared to use this life-saving tool correctly.

Why the North American Rescue CAT TQ Is a Top Choice

When selecting a combat application tourniquet, the North American Rescue Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) stands out as one of the best on the market. Trusted by military and civilian first responders alike, the CAT is designed for rapid deployment and maximum effectiveness.

Here are some key features of the North American Rescue CAT TQ that make it an excellent choice:

Single Routing Buckle: The CAT’s Single Routing Buckle is engineered for faster application, allowing for decreased blood loss and effective slack removal with fewer windlass turns. This design ensures the tourniquet can be applied quickly and securely, even under the most stressful conditions.
Reinforced Windlass Rod: The CAT TQ features a reinforced windlass rod with an increased diameter, providing enhanced strength. The aggressive ribbing on the windlass improves grip, ensuring that the tourniquet stays tight and effective during use.
Bilateral Windlass Clip: The bilateral windlass clip allows for rapid windlass lock, securing the tourniquet in place once it's been applied. The bilateral buttress adds further strength to the device, making it reliable and durable in critical situations.
Reinforced Stabilization Plate: The reinforced stabilization plate, combined with a beveled contact bar, ensures that the tourniquet remains stable during application. This helps maintain even pressure around the limb, which is crucial for stopping bleeding effectively.
Red Tip Technology®: One of the standout features of the CAT TQ is its signature red elliptical tip, known as Red Tip Technology®. This provides a clear visual cue during application, making it easier to identify and operate the tourniquet under pressure.
Patented Free-Moving Internal Band: The CAT’s patented free-moving internal band ensures that circumferential pressure is evenly distributed across the limb. This is critical for the effectiveness of the tourniquet, as it helps avoid complications associated with uneven pressure.

Training with a combat application tourniquet

While you can take basic first aid classes, it may not always teach you how to apply a combat application tourniquet. That being said, taking a course specifically for this is ideal, and Core Vision Training is the place to look.

Core Vision Training offers extensive and informative courses on stopping the bleed and tactical combat care. Here are some things these courses cover:

Assessing and treating massive hemorrhage
The MARCH-E algorithm for casualty assessment and treatment
Common medical equipment, when, why, and how to use them
Equipment storage configurations
DHS Stop the Bleed Curriculum & Certification
Intro to TCCC
Scenario-based training repetitions

Conclusion

A combat application tourniquet is a crucial tool that can save lives in emergencies involving severe bleeding, and the North American Rescue CAT TQ, with its advanced design and field-proven reliability, is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their preparedness. Whether you choose to carry your tourniquet on a plate carrier, duty belt, or in a backpack, make sure it is easily accessible.

Remember, owning a tourniquet is just one part of the equation. Proper training in its use is equally important. Consider taking a first aid course that includes tourniquet training so that you’re fully prepared to use this vital tool when it matters most.

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Why a Combat Application Tourniquet Should Be a Part of Your Kit