The C-A-T® is a true one-handed tourniquet proven to be 100% effective by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research. Tests proved that the C-A-T® completely occluded blood flow of an extremity in the event of a traumatic wound with significant hemorrhage. The C-A-T® utilizes a durable windlass system with a free-moving internal band providing true circumferential pressure to the extremity. Once adequately tightened, bleeding will cease and the windlass is locked into place. A Hook and Loop strap is then applied, securing the windlass to maintain pressure during casualty evacuation. The C-A-T®’s unique dual securing system avoids the use of screws and clips which can become difficult to operate under survival stress or where fine motor skills are compromised. The C-A-T® was named the Best Prehospital Tourniquet in the February 2008 Supplement of The Journal of Trauma. It is also approved by the National Tactical Offices Association (NTOA) for tactical medics and law enforcement officers. The C-A-T® was also Awarded One of the “Top 10 Greatest Inventions” by the U.S. Army.
Like many whose career track and passion are in emergency medicine, the seasoned paramedic in this story leads a double life. As a Tactical Medic serving in the Special Operations Division of his State Police Department, he is no stranger to strategies that increase survivability in the tactical arena. However, his dual role as an Aeromedic often commandeers his skills into more mainstream civilian EMS scenarios. Who could have foreseen the impact this duality would have had on a near-fatal car crash one October night in 2006... Read More
