Counterfeit tourniquets pose a global threat. Internationally, specifically in Ukraine, well-intentioned individuals are unwittingly sending counterfeit tourniquets to the front lines, resulting in devastating outcomes. We cannot stress enough the importance of vetting sources and ensuring quality tourniquets at industry prices.
All the medical equipment sold by MED-TAC International is genuine, brand name, new manufacture goods. We are authorized distributors of all the major brands.
Shop with confidence from us knowing you are getting the real deal!
Join us in spreading awareness about this critical issue. And for a solution you can trust, consider the GENUINE C-A-T® Tourniquet and the SOF® Tourniquet that we sell, both are top choices of elite military forces and first responders worldwide.
Update — October 2024: Federal Import Ban Now In Force
The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a General Exclusion Order in Certain Blood Flow Restriction Devices With Rotatable Windlasses and Components Thereof (Inv. No. 337-TA-1364), barring importation of infringing windlass tourniquets into the United States regardless of who is importing them. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize them at the port. The order remains in effect until March 23, 2029.
Practical takeaway for buyers: genuine C-A-T tourniquets are manufactured in the United States. A C-A-T arriving as an import is a red flag on its face.
COUNTERFEIT TOURNIQUET MEDICAL DEVICES SAFETY HAZARD TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIRST RESPONDERS
Law enforcement has identified a trend regarding the sale of counterfeited Combat Application Tourniquets medical devices. A counterfeit tourniquet is one that bears the trademark of CAT Resources but is produced by another party and is usually not made to the specifications of the original equipment manufacturer. Several public safety agencies have reported failure of the counterfeit tourniquet devices in emergency situations.
ISSUE AND COUNTERFEIT PARTS: The Combat Application Tourniquet is constructed with a strap that is placed above the wound on the injured appendage, affixed with a Velcro strap, it is tightened into place with a small tension rod (windlass). The tightening of the tension rod applies pressure to restrict blood flow to the affected area.
The counterfeit models of the tourniquets are compromised by a poorly constructed tension rod made of plastic or a substandard composite that causes the rod to bend or break, rendering the tourniquet ineffective and potentially deadly as it will not stop the loss of blood.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF: Only conduct business with the original manufacturer or authorized dealer and use caution when purchasing these medical devices through e-commerce sources. Beware of “too good to be true” prices and use caution when purchasing Combat Application Tourniquets that are shipped from other countries. Authentic Combat Application Tourniquets are only produced in the United States.
CHECKING YOUR GEAR: You have some good reference photos and videos on this page of genuine and counterfeit tourniquets showing some indicators to look for when checking your gear or purchasing new North American Rescue Combat Application Tourniquets. Check your gear to ensure safety in an emergency medical situation.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOU HAVE PURCHASED COUNTERFEITS: Consult an original equipment manufacturer representative for advice on identifying and replacing the counterfeit medical device.
If you believe you have been the victim of a crime, contact your local Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) field office to report the crime or submit an online complaint to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center at www.iprcenter.gov.
What The Testing Actually Shows
A 2023 study in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine compared 25 genuine Combat Application Tourniquets against 50 commercially available look-alikes on an instrumented manikin limb:
- Force at application: genuine 65 N vs. look-alike 14 N — roughly one-fifth the force (p<.001).
- Mechanical rupture of the windlass, C-clip, or strap during positioning or application: 4% of look-alikes, 0% of genuine units.
- Both groups held their initial force for six hours. The look-alikes did not loosen over time — they never generated adequate force to begin with.
Lagazzi E, et al. The Certification Matters: A Comparative Performance Analysis of Combat Application Tourniquets versus Non-Certified CAT Look-Alike Tourniquets. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2023;38(4):450–455. This is bench testing on a manikin, not a clinical failure rate.
We all like to save money. Whether it's finding a gas station with the best price or your favorite beer on sale, saving a few dollars feels good. Public entities like schools or police and fire departments have fiscal responsibilities that mandate against wasteful spending. Most individuals and certainly most agencies shop carefully when purchasing supplies. Medical equipment is not the place to try to save a few dollars. You would never purchase a bargain parachute or sign up for budget brain surgery.
In the realm of emergency medical equipment, it's common knowledge that price should not be the primary concern. Nevertheless, thousands of counterfeit "CAT" tourniquets are sold on platforms like Amazon and eBay.
The authentic C-A-T (Combat Application Tourniquet) produced by North American Rescue is the most evidence-supported limb tourniquet in the CoTCCC-recommended set. It is validated by combat medics, carried in public-access bleeding control kits, and is standard issue for Special Operations Forces, numerous Federal Law Enforcement agencies, and a multitude of Police Departments and State Patrols who carry the C-A-T daily.
The authenticity of a C-A-T Tourniquet in your IFAK or Trauma Kit is critical, as it could be a matter of life or death. Take a moment to verify that it's genuine. When purchasing a tourniquet or a kit with a C-A-T Tourniquet, always opt for a reputable, authorized North American Rescue dealer, and steer clear of discount resellers on Amazon, eBay, and similar "bargain" websites.
Anticipate spending between $25 and $39 for an authentic product. Should the price be under $20, treat it as suspect. Twin packs or 3-pack combo deals for $20 on marketplace listings are not genuine. Considering the risks involved, this isn't the occasion to economize.
Should you have any doubts or inquiries, don't hesitate to contact us; we are eager to assist.