Why the Combat Application Tourniquet is a Non-Negotiable Tool in Your Tactical Gear Kit

Life-threatening injuries, by their very nature, tend to be quite sudden, and they can strike anywhere and at any time. In other words, such injuries are not restricted to the battlefield alone. This is precisely why it's crucial to always be prepared for every eventuality. And that's also why you need a North American Rescue Tourniquet as part of your bug-out kit. In the gravest extreme, it can literally mean the difference between life and death. 

A tourniquet is a simple device made to staunch the flow of blood to an injured part of the body—specifically an extremity. If properly applied, the tourniquet can actually help prevent the gravely injured person from bleeding out on the spot. It works by blocking the arteries that pump blood to the injured area.

However, it must always be very carefully placed above and on the injured area and tightened properly so as to restrict the blood flow to that specific area. If the application of the tourniquet is done right, it will gradually squeeze and ultimately pinch off the main blood vessels, such as veins and arteries that are pumping blood to the gushing wound. In the long run, as the pressure of the tourniquet is increased, the blood would no longer spray out of the body—thereby saving the injured individual's life.

Front-line combat troops and tactical squads such as SWAT teams regularly carry the highly effective Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT). In fact, it's part of their equipment whenever they are in a contested battle space. In case soldiers or LEOs suffer an injury during combat, the CAT will help keep them alive until the injured individuals are evacuated to the nearest field hospital.

The CAT's Windlass System: Perfect for any Eventuality!

The CAT operates on the basis of a truly unique windlass system that's easy to operate in a high-stress situation. This system is also both highly reliable and effective. The CAT's ingenious system comes with a patented free-moving band that delivers the necessary circumferential pressure required to secure the injured person's wound safely. Once this tourniquet is tightened as required, the bleeding will stop, and it can subsequently be secured by the windlass unit that's locked into position to ensure it doesn't start to loosen.

The CAT's simplicity of operation is its key hallmark. The windlass and retention strap help secure the mechanism after it has been tightened, and lock it into place. There are no clips, screws, or other fasteners that have to be used even when your fine motor skills are not working properly because of extreme stress in a dangerous environment.

The CAT is an ideal accessory for your bug-out kit since earthquakes, riots, hurricanes, and other disasters can appear like bolts from the blue. 

Having the Combat Application Tourniquet with you at all times can save your life or the lives of your loved ones!