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trinydex
08-28-12, 13:40
http://www.bhigear.com/rat-tourniquet.aspx

has anyone used the r.a.t. tourniquet on a leg?

does it work on large legs as well as small legs?

i got to try it the other day, but i didn't get a chance to thoroughly test it on my leg or anyone else's leg.

the thing is amazing on an arm. amazing.

just wondering if i should get a few extra r.a.t.s or if i should use a dedicated leg tourniquet like the s.o.f.t. t wide.

https://www.tacmedsolutions.com/store/Products_Detail.php?ProductID=137
MedicPatriot
08-30-12, 10:37
No experience with it at all to be honest. I know the CAT and SOF ones are proven and reliable, and there is NO question about their effectiveness.
trinydex
08-30-12, 11:42
I got to test it back to back with the soft t and the cat. It was so much faster and lighter I just feel its a must have item.

I think I will buy a few and test it on my leg and report back. If negative then I will go with the soft t w for leg.
Hizzie
08-30-12, 19:24
Just be sure to have someone check for distal pulses after application. If you have a pulse below the TQ it isn't working.
dhrith
08-31-12, 16:03
I've only had training up to an EMT-B but just by reading the tacmed site, showed multiple pitfalls with an elastomeric type device. For that reason I'd stick with a strap/windlass style.
trinydex
08-31-12, 19:41
Could you expand on the weakness or link??
dhrith
09-02-12, 16:48
https://www.tacmedsolutions.com/blog/
towards bottom.
Just read somewhere else today they were poor choice due to typically being too thin and not being able to shut off lower extremity flow without excessive torque/force(don't quote me), think it was in the other post on these in this folder.
trinydex
09-02-12, 17:51
That's good information. I was warned about stacking the turns on the rat, makes for a lot of force per area.

I did also experience that your need to move the limb to wrap it. And as the article says if you have a break that would be less than ideal.

I suppose I will have to give this some further thought.
NCMedic
09-02-12, 19:33
Just double up the CATs...... No reason to add another piece of kit, avoid having to try and figure out which one you grabbed in dark when you are bleeding.

Sent from this... Using that...