Now that, in a previous publication, we familiarized ourselves with the basic design elements of the NAR Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T), consider methods for using it to stop bleeding of the upper and lower extremities.
Application Combat Application Tourniquet
Read the instructions for use before using this product and / or consult a doctor / instructor. Improper use may result in serious injury or loss of limb. The application of a tourniquet is the last chance, and should only be used if it is not possible to stop the bleeding by other means and the situation is life threatening.
One-handed configuration
To use the NAR Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) in a one-handed configuration (self-help in case of damage to the upper limbs), the following manipulations must be performed:
- Place the tourniquet in the upper third of the shoulder, above the bleeding site. Insert the injured limb through the ring formed by the bandage.
The end of the harness marked in red (Red Tip) should be on the side of the heart.
- Tighten the harness harder and secure it using a self-adhesive dressing.
- Fasten the bandage around the limb. Do not stick the bandage further than the hooks for the shaft.
- Rotate the collar until the bleeding stops and the peripheral pulse is blocked.
- Place the rod inside the hooks, fixing its position. Check for bleeding and peripheral heart rate. If the bleeding has not stopped, do another rotation of the rod or place an additional tourniquet above the first. Retest bleeding.
- Fasten the bandage over the shaft, inside the hooks and completely around the limb.
- Secure the shaft and dressing with slings. Prepare the victim for transportation and reassess the bleeding. If possible, fix the time of applying the tourniquet on a white sling.
Two-handed configuration
To use the NAR Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) in a two-handed configuration (self-help in case of damage to the lower extremities, mutual help in case of damage to the upper and lower limbs), the following steps must be performed:
- Position the tourniquet above the bleeding site. Wrap the bandage around the limb and pass the free end through the inner slot of the buckle.
The end of the harness marked in red (Red tip) should be on the side of the heart.
- Tighten the bandage tightly.
- Pass the free end through the outer slot of the buckle. The buckle will fix the bandage.
- Tighten the harness harder and secure it using a self-adhesive dressing.
- Fasten the bandage around the limb. Do not stick the bandage further than the hooks for the shaft.
- Rotate the rod until the bleeding stops and the peripheral pulse is blocked. Check for bleeding and peripheral heart rate. If the bleeding has not stopped, make another rotation of the rod or place an additional tourniquet above the first. Retest bleeding.
- Place the rod inside the hooks, fixing its position.
- Fasten the bandage over the shaft, inside the hooks and completely around the limb.
- Secure the shaft and dressing with a white sling. Prepare the victim for transportation and reassess the bleeding. If possible, fix the time of applying the tourniquet on a white sling.
To minimize the impact possible during subsequent transportation of the victim (shock, clinging, displacement, relaxation, etc.), try to place all protruding and moving parts of the NAR Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) on the inside of the shoulder or thigh. In the photo above, this rule is violated in order to provide better visibility of the manipulations.
After stopping the bleeding with the NAR Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T), proceed with applying a hemostatic agent (e.g. Quikclot Combat Gauze Z-Fold) or pressure dressing (e.g. FirstCare Emergency Bandage) to the bleeding site. After successful application, the tourniquet can be relaxed and you can make sure that life-threatening bleeding is blocked. Do not hold the tourniquet on the limbs for longer than necessary.
The NAR Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) harness presented in the review can be purchased at punisher.com.ua
A source: secretsquirrel.com.ua
Author: secretsquirrel.com.ua
