Evaluation of Possible Tourniquet Systems for Use in the Canadian Forces

Abstract

The most effective tourniquets were the EMT and ST. The ST is also the lightest, fastest, easiest to learn, and the cheapest but it causes a lot of pain and presumably, local tissue damage. ST can be issued to every soldier with a minimum of training and used effectively in the "Care Under Fire" phase. The EMT, which causes the least pain and is equally effective, can be applied during the "Tactical Field Care" phase by the medic to replace the surgical tubing. Fine adjustments can be made to the EMT, which allows the medic to safely deflate the device, assess the wound, determine if a tourniquet is required, and re-inflate quickly if necessary.