View Full Version : SWAT-Tourniquet
Eric Cartman
06-15-09, 22:15
Just saw an ad for the SWAT-Tourniquet (http://www.swattourniquet.com/), and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with it. If you do, any pros vs cons?
I haven't ever handled it, but reading the description I am interested in getting one to check out. I think it is worth looking into, multipurpose items cut down on the gear you have to carry.
I've got one and thankfully have never had to use it.(civvy here). Nice in its simplicity and visual indicators for how tight you want it, on the thing. Also useful as a pressure / bandage holder.
I have a couple of them (the owner was nice enough to send me some for my website, as did many others). I am not qualified to comment on whether or not they work as designed, but from my layman's point of view they would appear to.
What I really like about them is that they are small and easily packed and if used with gauze or pads can double as a pressure bandage if not applied at full tension. There are instructions right on the product as to how to do both, which is also a plus.
From my tourniquet page (http://tacticalyellowvisor.net/94921/94942.html)
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/website/Med/Tourniquets.jpg
installed in BFG Tourniquet NOW! strap
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/rob_s/website/Med/TQNOWSWAT.jpg
It's a very old design concept, updated. Inexpensive and reliable when used correctly. Has other uses besides as a TQ. We authorize it.
"(Almost) any TQ will do if YOU will do."
Not a doc, emt, or medic. Bought some for myself and some other medical people. So far I have found it extremely difficult to apply properly 1-handed. I watched the videos the developers put out and wonder how much the guy in the video practiced before he could do it 1-handed, quickly. Currently, I do not feel comfortable with the SWAT-T as the only tourniquet in any kit. I will continue to work my trainer piece and give it a fair shake.
Just saw an ad for the SWAT-Tourniquet (http://www.swattourniquet.com/), and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with it. If you do, any pros vs cons?
Looks like a cheapie, cost-saving measure (as oppsed to a life-saving measure). I would go with the last two in rob_s' post or a kravat using a girth-hitch for cost saving + life saving measures.
BTW, the Isreali tournie (second row, first one) is not too bad and I believe current issue for standard troops.
Not to pose any discredit, but just to pose some thought. What's the difference in that and the piece of rubber they use to slow down blood flow when drawing blood, besides the thickness. The Isreali tournie works. You can put that thing on , crank it down, and feel no blood pumping back through your Brachial or Femoral Artery what-so-ever. The second to last (second row, fourth down) is a better version of that, which is more conducive to self-aid and the last looks like a more condensed version of that. However I will say that the aluminum tension bar should be a point seller for all.
I have not used it live during a SWAT callout, but I hav been using in training. I am pleased with it. Easy to use and train other non-medics for self-aid or buddy-aid. Very "KISS"
I have used it on the FireFighting side of the house as large compression dressing to hold things in place. Excellent for splinting when things are wet or bloddy when tape won't stick (nobody seems to carry the good tape on their trucks), so I just grab the SWAT-T to get things done. Works well. I would make it standard hear for every copy or EMT-T/P.
I have used other types or Torniquets and have been please with them (each has it on place and function), this just seems a little quicker for me, given that most times for me it will be used in a compression role most often.
Pouch is nice and takes up very little Molle space or can be dropped in a cargo pant easily.
As with most of the other commenters, I've never had to use one, but I do carry them.
I got mine based on the following principles:
- Due to the cost/size, I'd have one when otherwise I wouldn't have any tourniquet.
- They are multipurpose, as noted above. Compression bandage, wrap, or even just for tying something in a pinch.
- Ease of use. CAT and the Israeli are fine if you've trained, but the SWAT-T is more intuitive when the lizard brain is the only part working.
- Did I mention they're cheap enough and small enough to have when you need one, not just when you think you'll need one?
Can I tell you it's the best bloodflow-stopping device ever made? No. But based on the above reasons, it has its place.
Haven't had to use it live but have trained with. While not general issue they are recommended kit and a few of us at work carry them. The size makes them easy to carry in the cargo pocket or vest pocket for those who use an external carrier.
nutnless220
10-15-09, 01:09
I think that they work fine on the arms, but I'd rather have the SF Tourniquet for a wound on the upper legs.
You can crank down on the SF more.
Not to pose any discredit, but just to pose some thought. What's the difference in that and the piece of rubber they use to slow down blood flow when drawing blood, besides the thickness. The Isreali tournie works. You can put that thing on , crank it down, and feel no blood pumping back through your Brachial or Femoral Artery what-so-ever. The second to last (second row, fourth down) is a better version of that, which is more conducive to self-aid and the last looks like a more condensed version of that. However I will say that the aluminum tension bar should be a point seller for all.
What you are calling the "Isreali tournie" is the CAT; standard issue for US Army (and other US forces). http://www.combattourniquet.com/
You might be thinking of the Isreali Dressing 6510-01-492-2275 (6" pad, large size) here.
http://www.firstcareproducts.com/apage/3320.php
Stephen
I think the SWAT-T is a good tourniquet for buddy aid, but I would not want to try and put one on my own arm or leg after being shot or blown up and covered in blood, etc.
Stephen
I think the SWAT-T is a good tourniquet for buddy aid, but I would not want to try and put one on my own arm or leg after being shot or blown up and covered in blood, etc.
Stephen
I'd agree, it's not ideal. There are better options, but I'd argue that if it's something that's been practiced (more than once or twice), it could still be possible.
Myself, and my training group, are pretty big fans of the SWAT-T, partially because it fits out needs as armed citizens first (no LBE, no uniform, few pockets) due to size, and we've spent time with it regularly.
One of the things we try to do, and use as an element of course work, is to induce stress during "practicals", and use the tools of self-care under stress. We've also played with them when wet/slick with a blood substitute (soapy water, fake blood, whatever). No, it's not being for real shot/blown up/bloodied, but its something. And what we've seen is that with some repetition, and occasional refreshing, using the SWAT-T under stress (including one handed use) becomes much easier.
No, it's not perfect, but what is? Other factors may mean it's the tool you're going to have when that injury happens. If someones going to use this thing, regular practice with it is highly recommended. (As it is with any of these tools, actually. I think this is an area of training where drilling, regularly, is often seriously overlooked).
Also, as a general FYI- I don't know if it's been said elsewhere but Griff, from Remote Medical, commented on a review I wrote of the SWAT-T, http://bfelabs.blogspot.com/2009/06/swat-tourniquet.html, and said that another section, 9" of material (20" stretched), is added to the SWAT-T for 2010. This is in response to failures and difficulties on larger limbs (particularly upper-legs) on bigger folks. I know one of my guys had a problem with just that. I'm looking forward to snagging a couple of the longer ones when they hit.
NinjaMedic
10-17-09, 19:44
As others have already mentioned, it is very very difficult to properly apply one handed. Its fine if you want to place a few in your aid kit for buddy use however it is absolutely critical that you carry at least two tourniquets on you which you can apply one handed.
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