How to use a Military Tourniquet

Using a military tourniquet is a potentially life-saving skill in emergency situations to control severe bleeding. The Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) is a common type of military tourniquet. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

1. Assess the Situation:

• Ensure your safety and the safety of others before approaching the injured person.
• Assess the severity of the bleeding and determine if a tourniquet is necessary.

2. Call for Help:

• If not already done, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Tourniquets are a temporary measure, and professional medical help is essential.

3. Expose the Wound:

• Remove or cut through clothing to expose the injured limb and locate the source of bleeding.

4. Apply the Tourniquet:

• Place the tourniquet as close to the wound as possible, between the wound and the heart.
• Pull the strap tight and secure it through the buckle, ensuring the tourniquet is snug. The CAT tourniquet has a one-handed application design.

5. Tighten the Tourniquet:

• Turn the windlass (the rod) until the bleeding stops. It should be tight enough to stop arterial bleeding but not so tight that it causes additional harm.

6. Lock the Windlass:

• Once bleeding is controlled, lock the windlass in place. The CAT tourniquet has a clip to secure the windlass.

7. Secure the Tourniquet:

• Secure the tourniquet in place, either using the built-in Velcro strap or by tucking the end of the strap through the clip.

8. Note the Time:

• Make a note of the time the tourniquet was applied. This information is crucial for medical professionals to manage the situation effectively.

9. Provide Comfort and Reassurance:

• Stay with the injured person, providing comfort and reassurance while waiting for professional medical help.

10. Communicate with Emergency Responders:

• When professional help arrives, communicate the details of the tourniquet application, including the time it was applied and any other relevant information.

Important Considerations:

• Tourniquets are a last resort for life-threatening bleeding and should only be used when direct pressure and other measures have failed.
• Do not remove the tourniquet once applied. Only trained medical professionals should remove it.
• Tourniquets are not intended for use on joints or over joints. Place the tourniquet above the joint, closer to the torso.

Always seek professional medical help as soon as possible, as tourniquets are a temporary solution and can have complications if left on for an extended period. Training in first aid and tourniquet application is recommended for anyone who may find themselves in emergency situations.