Combat Application Tourniquet® (C-A-T®) Gen 7 - Genuine North American Rescue

FAQ — C-A-T Gen 7 (North American Rescue)

• What changed in Gen 7? A single-routing buckle and reinforced windlass simplify the sequence and improve torsional strength under load.
• Is one-handed application realistic? Yes—stage the strap pre-routed; practice the self-application sequence until it’s automatic.
• What limb sizes does it fit? Most adult upper/lower limbs; for unusually large thighs, apply “high and tight” and consider adding a second device if needed.
• Trainer vs. duty model? Blue trainers are for practice only; carry black/orange duty units to avoid material fatigue from repeated drills.
• How do I know it’s tight enough? No distal pulse by palpation or Doppler; if pulses persist, add windlass turns and reassess.
• Marking time—why? Application time supports conversion decisions and receiving-team documentation.
• Storage and inspection? Keep staged flat, away from UV/heat; inspect the windlass, buckle, and hook/loop for damage.
• Counterfeits? Buy from authorized distributors to ensure genuine materials and tested construction.

Clinical Rationale — C-A-T Gen 7 (North American Rescue)

Why this tool matters clinically

• Windlass leverage achieves rapid arterial occlusion, shrinking the shock window in limb hemorrhage.
• Single-routing buckle reduces fine-motor steps under stress, improving first-pass success for self-aid and buddy-aid.
• Wide band distributes force to maintain occlusion with less focal tissue stress than narrower interfaces.

Hemodynamic reasoning

• Effective control requires compressing the injured artery against bone at pressures exceeding systolic; windlass torque translates to strap tension and interface pressure.
• Broad contact lowers peak pressure for a given occlusive load, supporting stability during movement and transport.

Clinical decision pathway

• Apply early for life-threatening extremity hemorrhage; confirm pulse extinction, secure, time-mark, and reassess after packaging or movement.
• Convert when appropriate in Tactical Field/En Route Care if bleeding control allows and protocols permit.

Evidence & Training Rationale

• Prehospital TQ use is associated with improved survival when used early and correctly; complication rates remain low when appropriately indicated.
• Training priorities: staging pre-routed, two- and one-hand drills, distal pulse checks, securement, time documentation, and post-movement reassessment.

Selected sources:
Kragh et al., 2009, prospective combat cohort (PDF);
Kragh et al., Ann Emerg Med (abstract);
Eastridge et al., 2012, causes of preventable death (PDF);
JTS TCCC/CPG library;
Deployed Medicine: Tourniquet Skill Cards.