In military operations and emergency rescue, rapid and effective control of bleeding is the key to saving lives. Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT for short), as an important first aid equipment, its importance is self-evident. As a leader in modern first aid equipment, it has become a key tool for saving the lives of the injured with its excellent performance and convenient operability.
I. Origins
The history of the tourniquet dates back to the Middle Ages, when doctors were already experimenting with various methods to control bleeding on the battlefield. The first recorded use of the tourniquet on the battlefield was by Morel at the Battle of Flanders in 1674, which was an early example of the use of the tourniquet in military medicine. Over time, doctors gradually recognized the important role of the tourniquet in controlling hemorrhage in the extremities and began to improve and refine it.
1. Early Explorations
Early attempts to use tourniquets in surgery began in the 17th century when Dr. Guy de Chauliac used elastic bands during amputation surgeries to relieve pain and reduce bleeding. Subsequently, Botallo and others proposed the use of multiple elastic bands for amputations, further advancing the use of tourniquets in the medical field.
2. Technical Innovations
The design and use of tourniquets improved significantly with advances in medical technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For example, Petit invented a screw-compression tourniquet that secured the tourniquet and blocked blood vessels by tightening a screw.
3. Modern Developments
In the second half of the 20th century, with the changes in the form of warfare and the rapid development of medical technology, the tactical tourniquet gradually became a standardized battlefield first aid equipment. Modern tactical tourniquets are usually made of high-strength materials, with fast tightening, easy operation, safety, and reliability.
II. Structure and Composition
Combat Application tourniquets are mainly composed of the following parts:
- Tourniquet body: Made of high-strength, tear-resistant materials to ensure stability even in harsh environments.
- Rotating rod: A device used to tighten the tourniquet, by rotating the rod can gradually increase the pressure of the tourniquet until the bleeding stops.
- Fixed Clip: Used to fix the position of the noose and tourniquet to prevent them from loosening or falling off during use.
- Self-adhesive tape: Some tactical tourniquets are equipped with a self-adhesive tape to quickly secure the tourniquet and reduce the risk of dislodging.
III. Methods of Use
The use of modern tactical tourniquets is relatively simple and usually follows the following steps:
- Evaluate the injury: First evaluate the casualty’s injury and bleeding site to determine the need to use a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
- Place the tourniquet: Place the tourniquet proximally to the wound (i.e., near the side of the heart), avoiding joints and important neurovascular areas.
- Tighten the tourniquet: Gradually tighten the tourniquet by rotating the stringer until bleeding stops, ensuring not to over-tighten at once.
- Fix the tourniquet: Use fixation clips or self-adhesive tape to secure the tourniquet to prevent it from loosening or falling off during use.
- Record time: Record the time and position of tourniquet tying for subsequent medical personnel’s reference.
IV. Precautions
When using a modern tactical tourniquet, the following points should be kept in mind:
- The tourniquet is only suitable for emergency hemostatic treatment of bleeding in the limbs; avoid using it for bleeding in the head, neck, or torso.
- Prolonged use of tourniquets may lead to complications such as ischemic necrosis, so the casualty should be transferred to a medical facility as soon as possible for further treatment.
- During transfer, the blood circulation of the distal limbs (e.g., fingers, toes) should be checked regularly to ensure that the tourniquet is not over-tightened.
- Immediate use of a tourniquet should be considered when standard emergency compression hemostasis is not effective in controlling active limb bleeding.
V. Conclusion
Tactical tourniquets are essential equipment in battlefield first aid. By mastering their use and precautions, we can quickly and effectively control bleeding in emergencies, gaining valuable time for the wounded. In future military operations and emergency rescue, the tactical tourniquet will continue to play its irreplaceable role as a life-saving guardian.