CAT Tourniquet and how to use it properly?

When you or another person has suffered a traumatic wound, a tourniquet can be the tool that literally saves a life. 

A CAT tourniquet is a revolutionary tool for modern law enforcement intended to stop arm or leg blood flow due to injury on the streets. CAT (Combat Applications Tourniquet, C-A-T) Tourniquet effectiveness as a life-saving instrument plays a significant role traumatic injury medical care. It was used widely by doctors and surgeons to control venous and arterial circulation to an extremity for a period of time, especially during surgeries.

How to properly use CAT Tourniquet?

The Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) is widely used by U.S. and US-coalition military forces as part of the mandatory first aid kit. It was developed by Composite Resources, Inc. The unit utilizes a windlass with a locking mechanism and can be self-applied. The CAT tourniquet has been adopted by military and emergency personnel all around the world.

Here is instruction manual for CAT tourniquet:

Two-handed application

1. Apply CAT tourniquet proximal to the bleeding site. Route the band around the limb and pass the red tip through the inside slit of the buckle.
2. Pass the red tip through the outside slit of the buckle. The buckle will lock the band in place.
3. Pull the band very tight and securely fasten the band back on itself.
4. Twist the rod until bright red bleeding has stopped and the distal pulse is eliminated.
5. 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 ide to the first and reassess.
6. Secure the rod inside the clip with the strap. Prepare the patient for transport and reassess. Record the time of tourniquet application.

One-handed application

1. Apply CAT tourniquet proximal to the bleeding site. Insert the wounded limb through the loop formed by the band.
2. Pull the band very tight and securely fasten the band back on itself.
3. Adhere to the band around the limb. Do not adhere the band past the rod clip.
4. Twist the rod until bright red bleeding has stopped and the distal pulse is eliminated.
5. 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.
6. Adhere the band over the rod, inside the clip, and fully around the limb.
7. Secure the rod and band with the strap. Prepare for transport and reassess. If possible, record time of application on a white strap.

For sure is that CAT tourniquet is a revolutionary tool which already saved hundreds of lives on streets and personally, for me, it is a must have part of my first aid kit.

CAT + RIGID Tourniquet Case

Packaged together as a kit, this product combination includes two popular products: one NAR C-A-T Tourniquet (black)and one Eleven 10 RIGID CAT TQ Case (black with a gray cross). The case can be worn on a duty belt and is MOLLE/PALS compatible for customized carrying options. The highly effective C-A-T Gen 7 Tourniquet is tried and true, lightweight, and easy to carry.