Review: Gen 7 CAT Tourniquet (Video) ^Featured

The Combat Application Tourniquet was initially fielded by USSOCOM in 2004 then fast followed by conventional forces in 2005. In the early years of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and prior to the implementation of modern prefabricated tourniquets, the death rate from extremity exsanguination was 23.3 deaths annually. After full implementation, this number was reduced to 3.5 deaths per year, an 85% decrease in mortality. In 2005 the Combat Application Tourniquet was selected as one of the Army’s top 10 greatest inventions and is recognized as one of the foremost advancements in pre-hospital care during the GWOT with an estimated 1,850 lives saved.

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Brief History (North American Rescue)
The Combat Application Tourniquet was initially fielded by USSOCOM in 2004 then fast followed by conventional forces in 2005. In the early years of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and prior to the implementation of modern prefabricated tourniquets, the death rate from extremity exsanguination was 23.3 deaths annually. After full implementation, this number was reduced to 3.5 deaths per year, an 85% decrease in mortality.

In 2005 the Combat Application Tourniquet was selected as one of the Army’s top 10 greatest inventions and is recognized as one of the foremost advancements in pre-hospital care during the GWOT with an estimated 1,850 lives saved. Relentless comprehensive analysis of all deaths from extremity hemorrhage has resulted in evidence-based tourniquet improvements. This approach has yielded critical device improvements to include five refinements in the design of the Combat Application Tourniquet over the last decade. These enhancements were focused on maximizing the effectiveness of the device while minimizing morbidity. Continuous interface with end-users and researchers, literature review and tourniquet applications in both real world and simulated high stress tactical environments have made it clear, that despite tremendous success, tourniquet knowledge gaps exist in the following areas (1) single verses double routing of the band (2) Importance of slack removal prior to engaging the windlass.  Closing these gaps will be accomplished through device enhancements, knowledge products and focused training.  

The Combat Application Tourniquet Generation 7

When we began work on the CAT GEN 7 we considered every element that defines a tourniquet designed for combat use. We challenged ourselves to find the best, most forward-looking way possible to enhance performance and maximize application success. But we didn’t do this alone. Leveraging input from after action reviews, researchers, material scientists and you, the end-user, we were able to create the most advanced CAT to date. Every component of the CAT GEN 7 is optimized performance and reliability.  The CAT GEN 7 has a single routing buckle system that  (1) allows for extremely fast application and effective slack removal (2) unifies training standards and eliminates confusion by having a single protocol/directions for all applications.

The Combat Application Tourniquet Generation 7 Requirements Driven Enhancements 

Single Routing Buckle C-A-T® Gen 7 performs better and is easier to use than previous generations, resulting in less blood loss Unified training standards with single protocol/directions for all applications.
Windlass Rod Increased diameter for enhanced strength Aggressive ribbing for improved grip
Windlass Clip Bilateral beveled entry for rapid windlass lock Bilateral buttress for added strength
Windlass Strap Sonic welded to clip for constant contact Color changed to Gray for tactical considerations
Stabilization Bar Reinforced, beveled contact bar maintains the plate's integrity and decreases skin pinching 

General Studies for the CAT TQ: 001. Tourniquet Problems in War Injuries - 1945 002. Battlefield tourniquet systems.2000 003. Tourniquet Controversy - 2003 004. Tourniquets for hemorrhage control on the battlefield - 2003 005. Tourn Issues MilMed.2004 007. Issues Related to the Use of Tourniquets on the Battlefield - 2005 008. Research on Tourniquet Related Injury for Combat Casualty Care - 2004 009. Surgical Tourniquet Technology Adapted for Military and Prehospital Use - 2004 010. Labortory Evaluation of Battlefield Tourniquets in Human Volunteers - 2005 014. Tourniquet_Evaluation_AUG05 015. A Balanced Approach to Tourniquet Use - 2006 016. Tourniquet 2007 017. Extended Tourniquet Application After Combat Wounds - 2007 018. Practical Tourniquet Use - 2008 018.1 TCCC Doyle Tourniquets PEC 2008 020. Tourniquet Technology on Today's Battlefield 2008 021. Tourniquet Use in Combat Trauma UK Experience - 2008 022. Battle Casualty Survival with Emergency Tourniquet Use to Stop Bleeding - 2009 023. Survival with Emergency Tourniquet Use - 2009 023.1 TK CALL AAR_Jul-09 rebuttal to Johnson 024. Final_tourniquet_working_group_minutes_march_2010 026. The Military Emergency Tourniquet Program's lessons Learned with Devices and Designs - 2011 027. Tourniquets - 2011 028. History of Tourniquet Use 2011 029. Re-Evaluating the Field Tourniquet for the Canadian Forces 030. CAT_Single-Routing_ 031. Tourniquet_Slack_Issue 032. Israeli NSW Feedback_to _the_Field_(FT2F) #11 FT2F #12 - TQ Use in OEF OIF and OND - 16Jul12