Army Develops Improved Tourniquet

Excuse me all to hell, but nurses, phlebotobists, and paramedics have been using velcro tourniquets for at least 35 years that I know of. So now the army has invented one that adds a stick? Duh!

Sorry, Ben, but you're totally off base here. the tourniquet developed by the Army is in no way similar to the venous tourniquets you're referring to. FYI this tourniquet is formed by a long strip of one inch wide nylon webbing woven into two concentric loops with the aid of 4 derlin plastic D-rings sewn into a section of elastic webbing, 2 on each side, similar to a belt with 2 rings through which the free end is woven to secure it. there is a small velcro tab to keep the tourniquet in it's proper form when stored as well as another set of velcro straps which are used to secure the tourniquet when it has been applied. The manual of arms is thus: the tourniquet is applied over the affected limb, placing said limb through both loops concurently. You then grasp a handle made by a second piece of nylon webbing (red in color to aid in rapid identification) and pull it forcefully seperating the velcro tab and constricting the inner loop of the webbing which is secured by the arrangement of D-rings. You now have what amounts to a constricting band. By 'see-sawing" the now much larger outer loop as a single piece back and forth you can create a large amount of compression, sufficient to occlude arterial blood flow. At this point you would secure the large loop in the perpendicular velcro strips to keep the tourniquet from loosening up during transport. These tourniquets are small, lightweight, inexpensive to produce and very simple.. Compared to the other "tactical" or "combat" tourniquets on the market only the H&H Associates "Tournikwik" is less expensive to my knowlege ( http:www.cinchtight.com/ ). Compared to making a tourniquet out of a triangular bandage and makeshift windlass this is a much simpler solution which can be employed at the medic, combat lifesaver, buddy-aid and self-aid levels.
-bill NREMT-B

When applying a C.A.T. or similar, it should NOT be left continualy fastened. It should be eased off allowing some blood/fluids into the limb to prevent total loss and then re-tightend. the time it was applied and then released should be recorded and left with the casualty, so other treating personnel are aware, and can ease of the CAT, thereby increasing the possibility of preventing complete amputation of the damaged limb. It is also helpfull to attach dayglow/illuminus matterial so that the CAT is easily seen. So the three point guide is completly wrong.

In the Tactical Combat Casualty Care class I was given, our Battalion Surgeon pointed out that frequently for surgery, blood flow to a limb is stopped for up to six hours without ill effect. A lot of the fear regarding tourniquets is simply misconception and paranoia. Keep in mind that this gear is designed to be used in combat. Especially during the care under fire phase, your first concern is to take tactical control of the situation so you don't have more casualties, then stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. We were taught that the entire concept of starting with a field dressing and working up to a tourniquet as a last result is totally wrong. That method is a waste of time and blood. Time of application should absolutely be noted, but just because a tourniquet has been in place for three or four hours does not mean with absolute certainty that an ampuation is necessary.

I have to agree with Adam. Also remember, this is designed to be put in place by the wounded operator himself, thus redusing the risk of placing someone else in harms way if the fire fight is still occurring. The best aid during care under fire is superior fire power!