The correct use of tourniquets

In this guide, we explain what a tourniquet is, when and how it is used and provide you with valuable tips on the subject of tourniquets and heavy bleeding.

What is a tourniquet?

A tourniquet (also known as a tourniquet) is a ligature system that can be used for injuries with severe bleeding. With the help of the tourniquet, extremities can be tied off to stop the arterial blood supply and reduce heavy blood loss - and thus prevent haemorrhaging.

The tourniquet was originally established in 1996, primarily in the field of emergency medicine for military operations. The tourniquet was also included in the principles of "Tactical Combat Casualty Care" (TCCC) as an instrument for treating life-threatening bleeding in the extremities.
Nowadays, however, tourniquets are also used for purposes other than military operations. They are also part of the standard equipment of rescue or emergency services as well as particularly vulnerable occupational fields.

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When should a tourniquet be used?

Not every severe haemorrhage immediately requires the use of a tourniquet . Below we have summarised some situations, in which the use of a tourniquet is unavoidable.

Severe bleeding on an extremity with simultaneous respiratory and circulatory problems.

Haemostasis cannot be achieved with a tourniquet.

Amputation injury proximal (towards the trunk or the centre of the body) of the wrist or foot.

Severe bleeding on the extremities in a dangerous situation or under time pressure.

A tourniquet must always be used if the injury to the limb causes life-threatening bleeding . The diagram shows the areas of the body in which a tourniquet can be used.

Important: Before using a tourniquet, you should always practise using it ! We also recommend being instructed by an expert . This will enable you as a first aider to act more quickly in an emergency situation and know how to use a tourniquet.

How is a mechanical tourniquet applied?

Two-handed application:

Unfasten the strap of the CAT ® and pull it out of the bar buckle.

Place the CAT ® directly on the skin above the haemorrhage in the direction of the torso.

Place the strap around the injured limb and pass the end through the bar buckle.
One-handed Application:
- Unfold the CAT ® so that the strap forms an O-shaped loop.
- Position the CAT ® above the haemorrhage in the direction of the torso.
- To do this, guide the injured limb through the O-shaped loop of the Velcro strap.
- Pull the strap so tight that it is not possible to get three fingertips between the CAT ® and the limb. Firmly the Velcro surfaces together to prevent the
  strap from loosening.
- Rotate the toggle until the bleeding stops and the pulse can no longer be felt below the wound site.
- Secure the toggle in the clamping hook. Check the bleeding and the distal pulse (further away from the torso or centre of the body) again. If the bleeding has not stopped and the pulse is still palpable, increase the pressure of the tourniquet - by screwing the toggle in further - or apply a second CAT ® above the first and check its effectiveness again.

Place the strap over the toggle and under the clamping hook. Secure the toggle and strap by closing the securing Velcro labelled "TIME:" Document the application time of the CAT® on the securing Velcro.

What is the maximum length of time the tourniquet can be used?

The tourniquet applied must ultimately be strong enough to squeeze the arteries close to the bone. However, the blood must not be squeezed for too long, as this can lead to fatal consequences - such as damage to blood vessels, nerves or muscles. It is therefore essential that the start of the tourniquet application is noted on the tourniquet so that this information is available for further treatment. The use of a tourniquet is only a temporary measure in every case. In most cases, the tourniquet is necessary until further surgical treatment of the injury is possible.

However, it is perfectly possible to leave the tourniquet in place for up to two hours without any consequences. For example, tourniquets are ideal for bridging the gap between initial treatment and surgical treatment for patients who are bleeding heavily. However, it should be checked at regular intervals whether the tourniquet is still effective and fulfils its purpose - if necessary, the toggle should be retightened.

How can the purchase of counterfeit products be avoided?

Unfortunately, even with tourniquets, it is almost impossible to avoid counterfeits being brought onto the market. The problem here is that counterfeit products are often subject to little or no quality control, which is why the products can be defective and unreliable , which can of course have fatal consequences, especially for first aid products!

Our tip: Only buy your tourniquets and first aid products from trustworthy retailers or online shops with traceable supply chains. If you do receive a product that seems questionable - whether due to missing outer packaging, visibly inferior quality or for other reasons - contact an expert at if in doubt. They can check whether the product in question is an original or a counterfeit.

Who is authorised to use tourniquets?

In principle, anyone can own and use tourniquets - even laypeople should not shy away from using them in an emergency. Because as soon as use is necessary, it can be a matter of life or death. The use of a tourniquet can entail risks - such as damage caused by tying the tourniquet too long or too tightly or tying it in the wrong place. In any case, however, the chances of survival of a severely bleeding wounded person increase many times over if a tourniquet is applied.

What brands of tourniquets are available?

Our range only includes tourniquets of the best quality, including the CAT ®, SWAT - T and SAM ® brands. Even if the application may differ slightly in parts, all products convince through best handling and quality.

Do you have any questions about our products? Then please visit the relevant product pages or contact us directly by phone or email at . We look forward to helping you!

Buy original tourniquets from WERO

Combat Application Tourniquet® (CAT®) - Black

WERO is the exclusive importer for Germany and Austria CAT® Tourniquet: Quality that counts - the original! The Combat Application Tourniquet® or simply CAT® is a one-hand tourniquet system for rapid haemostasis in the event of life-threatening bleeding from the extremities. What are the advantages of a CAT® Tourniquet? An individually adjustable strap allows the tourniquet to be applied to most extremitiesA robust, ergonomic toggle facilitates gripping and turning The wind system (strap with toggle) tensions a freely movable inner strap to prevent the flow of arterial blood into the extremity Only one handle is required to secure the toggle under a clamping hook During transport, the CAT® 's Velcro fastener provides additional security How do I use a tourniquet? The CAT® tourniquet is an essential component of tactical casualty care. It is used during major incidents, such as terrorist attacks, and as the first measure in the event of life-threatening haemorrhaging. The use of a tourniquet should be trained, but the following applies: in an absolute emergency and if all other rescue measures, such as a tourniquet, are unsuccessful, anyone can use a tourniquet. The tourniquet can also be applied with one hand in an emergency. 1. Unfold the CAT® so that the strap forms an O-shaped loop. Then apply the CAT® above the haemorrhage in the direction of the torso. To do this, pass the injured limb through the O-shaped loop of the Velcro strap. 2. Tighten the strap so that no more than two fingertips can fit between the tourniquet and the limb. Then firmly connect the Velcro surfaces together. 3. Now turn the gag until the bleeding stops and the pulse can no longer be felt below the wound site. 4. Secure the gag under the clamping hook. Check the bleeding and pulse again - if necessary, increase the pressure by turning the gag further. 5. Now place the end of the strap over the toggle and clamp hook and secure both with the safety Velcro. Then, if possible, make a note of the time of attachment. How can I recognise a fake? There are many copies of this tourniquet. They may not be able to build up the necessary pressure, become loose or tear. Do not jeopardise the life you are trying to save again. Please make sure you get the original from a reliable source. Visually, the differences between genuine and counterfeit tourniquets can be slight and are often difficult to recognise. In some cases, however, the following clues can be used to identify a replica: Red tip outside the USA No or inferior instructions for use: These are often not available in German and do not show the most important data and details of a medical device, such as the manufacturer, EC-REP or importer. Qualitative defects in counterfeits are characterised by the following features, for example:Inferior rods that are bendable and break easily under the required pressure A more extensive winding can make it difficult or even impossible to tighten sufficiently to stop bleeding Incorrect application can have serious consequences, including death. Combat Application Tourniquet® in occupational first aid "According to the ERC, current research indicates that the use of tourniquets can be useful for serious injuries with heavy blood loss. If a company has decided to introduce tourniquet systems into the company first aid programme due to the particular risk situation [in terms of occupational health and safety], the application must be instructed and practised regularly." (Source: DGUV - First Aid Division / May 2017)

Variants from €36.89*

From

€35.05*

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Available, delivery time: 1-3 days

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Extremity Tourniquet SAM® XT - Black

The SAM® XT was developed for rapid application.

€43.44*

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Available, delivery time: 1-3 days

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TacMed™ K9 Tourniquet

The K9 Tourniquet is designed to work effectively on a tapered anatomy, such as a K9's leg, and is designed to be applied high on the limb. It has built-in traction technology that prevents the tourniquet from sliding down the animal's leg, which would result in a loss of compression. Slippage is increased when the animal is moved and released. Slippage often occurs when tourniquets or pressure bandages designed for humans are used on such a tapered anatomy. The K9 Tourniquet solves these problems with a quick application time. Not suitable for human use.

€48.20*

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Available in 30 days, delivery time 1-3 days

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Combat Application Tourniquet® (CAT®) - Blue

WERO is the exclusive importer for Germany and Austrian }}n }}n }}n }}CAT® Tourniquet: Quality that counts - the original!n }}n }}The Combat Application Tourniquet® or simply CAT® is a one-hand tourniquet system for rapid haemostasis in the event of life-threatening bleeding from the extremities. n }}n }}What are the advantages of a CAT® Tourniquet? n }}n }}An individually adjustable strap allows the tourniquet to be applied to most extremitiesA robust, ergonomic toggle facilitates gripping and turning n }}n }}The wind system (strap with toggle) tensions a freely movable inner strap to prevent the flow of arterial blood into the extremity n }}n }}Only one handle is required to secure the toggle under a clamping hook n }}n }}During transport, the CAT® 's Velcro fastener provides additional security n }}n }}n }}n }}How do I use a tourniquet?n }}n }} The CAT® tourniquet is an essential component of tactical casualty care. It is used during major incidents, such as terrorist attacks, and as the first measure in the event of life-threatening haemorrhaging. The use of a tourniquet should be trained, but the following applies: in an absolute emergency and if all other rescue measures, such as a tourniquet, are unsuccessful, anyone can use a tourniquet. n }}n }}The tourniquet can also be applied with one hand in an emergency. n }}n }}1. Unfold the CAT® so that the strap forms an O-shaped loop. Then apply the CAT® above the haemorrhage in the direction of the torso. To do this, pass the injured limb through the O-shaped loop of the Velcro strap. n }}n }}2. Tighten the strap so that no more than two fingertips can fit between the tourniquet and the limb. Then firmly connect the Velcro surfaces together. n }}n }}3. Now turn the gag until the bleeding stops and the pulse can no longer be felt below the wound site. n }}n }}4. Secure the gag under the clamping hook. Check the bleeding and pulse again - if necessary, increase the pressure by turning the gag further. n }}n }}5. Now place the end of the strap over the toggle and clamp hook and secure both with the safety Velcro. Then, if possible, make a note of the time of attachment. n }}n }}How can I recognise a fake?n }}n }}There are many copies of this tourniquet. They may not be able to build up the necessary pressure, become loose or tear. Do not jeopardise the life you are trying to save again. Please make sure you get the original from a reliable source. n }}n }}Visually, the differences between genuine and counterfeit tourniquets can be slight and are often difficult to recognise. In some cases, however, the following clues can be used to identify a replica:n }}n }}Red tip outside the USA n }}n }}No or inferior instructions for use: These are often not available in German and do not show the most important data and details of a medical device, such as the manufacturer, EC-REP or importer. n }}Qualitative defects in counterfeits are characterised by the following features, for example:Inferior rods that are bendable and break easily under the required pressure n }}n }}A more extensive winding can make it difficult or even impossible to tighten sufficiently to stop bleeding n }}n }}Incorrect application can have serious consequences, including death. n }}n }}Combat Application Tourniquet® in occupational first aid n }} n }} "According to the ERC, current research indicates that the use of tourniquets can be useful for serious injuries with heavy blood loss. If a company has decided to introduce tourniquet systems into the company first aid programme due to the particular risk situation [in terms of occupational health and safety], the application must be instructed and practised regularly." (Source: DGUV - First Aid Division / May 2017)

€44.03*

incl. VAT plus shipping costs

Available in 50 days, delivery time 1-3 days

Pcs