Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) – Gen 7

The Combat Action Tourniquet, was introduced to the U.S. Army in 2005. the CAT is a true one-handed tourniquet, which is credited with decreasing mortality rates due to extreme blood-loss by 85%. The U.S. Army Institute of Research deemed it to be 100% effective.

The new CAT GEN7 is simpler to use thanks to a single application protocol, single buckle routing system and further improvements to its components and construction.

CAT Tourniquet Product Improvements

• NEW Single Routing Buckle for faster application, decreased blood loss, effective slack removal, fewer windlass turns, and simplified training with single protocol application standards
• Reinforced windlass rod with increased diameter for enhanced strength and aggressive ribbing for improved grip
• Bilateral windlass clip for rapid windlass lock and bilateral buttress for added strength
• Enhanced windlass strap changed to tactical gray and sonic welded to clip for constant contact providing safe windlass security and a place to document the application time
• Reinforced stabilization plate with beveled contact bar
• Signature red elliptical tip (Red Tip Technology®) provides visual cue during application
• Patented free-moving internal band for true evenly distributed circumferential pressure

CAT Tourniquet Features

• Awarded as one of the “Top 10 Greatest Inventions” by the U.S. Army
• Official Tourniquet of the U.S. Army
• Used by both conventional and Special Operation forces
• Proven to be 100% effective in occluding blood flow in both upper & lower extremities by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research
• True, one-handed application tourniquet
• Quickly controls life-threatening extremity bleeding
• Recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care
• Designed to perform in all weather conditions
• Small and cost-effective
• Protected by U.S. Patent Nos. 7,842,067 and 7,892,253

CAT Tourniquet Application Instructions

1. Insert injured limb through loop of the CAT tourniquet.
2. Place CAT tourniquet 2″-3″ above the point of bleeding, apply directly on the skin if possible.
3. Pull band to tighten and secure with velcro – up to, but not over the windlass clip. The loop should be tight enough that the tips of 3 fingers cannot fit under the band.
4. Twist the windlass rod until bleeding stops.
5. Secure the rod in the windlass clip.
6. Confirm that the bleeding has stopped.
7. Wrap the tail of the velcro strap over the windlass rod (under the windlass clip) and around to secure the rod.
8. Wrap the windlass retention strap over the top of the clip to secure.
9. Record time of application on the retention strap.