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| Use only CoTCCC or CCCWG approved gear. Beware of counterfeit medical gear |
In 'The Gunfighter's Guide to Medical Kit, Part One', we promote the importance of a viable tourniquet stored within the ‘Diver’s Triangle’, the area between the shoulders to the belt buckle. It should be stored prepared for one handed application in a dedicated marked tourniquet pouch, which will protect the tourniquet from the elements, UV degradation, and dirt. This blog only recommends the use of tourniquets that have been approved by the CoTCCC and CCCWG which include: the CAT Tourniquet, the SOF-TT, the SOF-TW and the EMT.
Another point that was mentioned, was the fact that there are COUNTERFEIT TOURNIQUETS on the market. Yes, they are cheaper than a real tourniquet. But, these are intended for re enactors, airsoft games and movie props. Not for actual casualty care!
On Private Bloggins, a CTOMS sponsored blog, there was a post on how a major police force was duped into purchasing them. Please see that post here: Fake It Till You Make It! The Counterfeits Are Here! More recently, these toys have been issued to police officers on the street and special teams as the real things. For more information, follow the link: More on Counterfeit Tourniquets
If there is any doubt as to the authenticity of your issued tourniquet, or unsure as to the veracity of your supplier, download the PDF below and check out your gear: Combat Application Tourniquet Gen III vs Element Dummy CAT
Take care out there.
Great post. Recently i rolled up on scene and N.Texas Sheriff deputy had one of these "toys" on a patient who took a tree branch just below the femoral artery while riding their 4-wheeler. The CAT is my all time favorite TQ. I LOVE your Blog!!!
ReplyDeleteTactMedic (Corey) - EMT-P, CC, EMT-T, TCCC
Feel free to share. And thank you for the kind words. It means a lot coming from someone within the community.
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