New USMC clamp tourniquet

[LRPV]

Hi all,
I have just been told that marines training up for Iraq are being equipped with some new style of tourniquest. It was described as using a screw method clamp. Unfortunately ourt exchange bloke was unable to 'requisition' an example.

I understand these are quite new issue and supposedly more effective than ....strips of jelly rubber.

If anyone knows what I an referring to I am chasing photos and NSN.

If any trained medics have any feedback on this item that would also be gratefully received.

[szr]

Combat Application Tourniquet
NSN 6515-01-521-7976

I don't know if you'll be able to view this page but there are pictures here: Graphic Warning on some slides http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/courses/cats/cats2a/index.html

Edit: Sorry, it never occurred to me to add a graphic warning. Skip to the "Combat Application Tourniquet" and 'Steps' slides to view safe images of the tourniquet.

[LRPV]

SZR, Brilliant work. I never expected an answer so quickly. Yes I can view the page and each step. One big e-beer to you.

Thankyou.:)

[Sloppy Joe2]

the army has been using this thing for a while, and they work great in combat situations. infact it is the first thing we turn to when someone has been wounded, great piece of equipment!

[yiorgo]

the CAT has been around for a while now....yes it is a great piece of gear

[kayaker]

Combat Application Tourniquet
NSN 6515-01-521-7976

I don't know if you'll be able to view this page but there are pictures here: http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/courses/cats/cats2a/index.html

excellent explanation. The only downside (in theory) I can find it that the loop has to go round the trauma area. If I understand correctly the loop cannot be "broken" so as to be able to bypass the wounded area and close the loop above it. But I suppose that this system allows for the casualty to operate teh tourniquet one-handed. Any BTDT able to shed light on this?

Where can I purchase one of these?

[scrybe]

Very interesting device.

*Graphic warning on the above link*

[Sabre]

excellent explanation. The only downside (in theory) I can find it that the loop has to go round the trauma area. If I understand correctly the loop cannot be "broken" so as to be able to bypass the wounded area and close the loop above it. But I suppose that this system allows for the casualty to operate teh tourniquet one-handed. Any BTDT able to shed light on this?

Where can I purchase one of these?

The loop can be 'broken' as the 'friction adapter buckle' is just a buckle like those you would find on bergan straps etc. The loose end of the CAT can pulled out of the buckle and the CAT wrapped around the limb and the appropriate point, before feeding the end back through the buckle and tightening up. It's intended to be stored with the free end passed through one slot of the buckle and velcro'd up to form a loop. That way, as you say, it can be applied one handed to either arm by the casualty himself. For a leg, you need to pass the free end through both 'slots' on the buckle to provide some resistance, otherwise it may come loose.

All of this becomes clear when you have hands on one. They're available from a few sites in the UK, for around £20.

http://www.exmed.co.uk/

http://www.spservices.co.uk/product_info.php/cPath/283/products_id/3505

http://www.medekit.com/controller/Info/page/controlling-severe-haemorrhage/Controllingseverehaemorrhage.html?clksrc=menu

[szr]

No problemo, LRPV

[kayaker]

The loop can be 'broken' as the 'friction adapter buckle' is just a buckle like those you would find on bergan straps etc. The loose end of the CAT can pulled out of the buckle and the CAT wrapped around the limb and the appropriate point, before feeding the end back through the buckle and tightening up. It's intended to be stored with the free end passed through one slot of the buckle and velcro'd up to form a loop. That way, as you say, it can be applied one handed to either arm by the casualty himself. For a leg, you need to pass the free end through both 'slots' on the buckle to provide some resistance, otherwise it may come loose.

All of this becomes clear when you have hands on one. They're available from a few sites in the UK, for around £20.

http://www.exmed.co.uk/

http://www.spservices.co.uk/product_info.php/cPath/283/products_id/3505

http://www.medekit.com/controller/Info/page/controlling-severe-haemorrhage/Controllingseverehaemorrhage.html?clksrc=menu
Understood. Cheers Sabre.

[AlphaOneSix]

The CAT is pretty popular, I think, but when you said "screw method clamp" I immediately thought of the MAT (mechanical advantage tourniquet). Maybe that's what you were referring to? It's a little newer than the CAT and can be applied faster.

http://www.matourniquet.com/

Cybertech MAT Tourniquet Assigned NSN:
NSN 6515-01-538-2207

[LRPV]

Thanks to all of you for the replies. I'll be taking the photos and NSNs of both CAT and MAT and see what our system has to offer.