Background: Appropriate strap pressure before tightening-system use is an important aspect of nonelastic, limb tourniquet application.
Methods:Using different two-handed techniques, the strap of the Generation 7 Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T7), Tactical Ratcheting Medical Tourniquet (Tac RMT), Tactical Mechanical Tourniquet (TMT), Parabelt, and Generation 3 SOF® Tactical Tourniquet-Wide (SOFTTW) was secured mid-thigh by 20 appliers blinded to pressure data and around a thigh-sized ballistic gel cylinder by gravity and 23.06kg.
Results: Pulling only outward (90° to strap entering buckle) achieved the lowest secured pressures on thighs and gel. For appliers, the best holding location was above the buckle, and the best strap-pulling direction was tangential to the thigh or gel (0° to strap entering buckle). Preceding tangential pulling with outward pulling resulted in higher secured pressures on the gel but did not aid appliers.
Dr. Torres is a US Navy veteran, a full-time House Physician and current CEO and educator. He is a distinguished paramedic educator and expert in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Tactical Medicine, with extensive U.S. and International clinical and operational experience. Having conducted courses, seminars, labs, and educational experiences of all types for civilian, public safety, and governmental entities throughout the Western hemisphere in both English and Spanish, Dr. Torres brings an unique perspective to those wishing to learn about medicine in resource diminished environments.