How to Apply a Combat Application Tourniquet ®
The patented Combat Application Tourniquet® (C-A-T®) has been the Official Tourniquet of the U.S. Army since 2005—and for good reason. Not only does research attest to its unrivaled effectiveness in a bleeding emergency, but it can be applied in seconds—even with one hand. And you don’t have to be an emergency professional to save a life with the C-A-T. The application is surprisingly straightforward.
How to Apply the C-A-T Using Two Hands
The two-handed application method is recommended if you’re coming to the aid of someone else. It’s also recommended if you’re applying the tourniquet to your own leg and you have the use of both hands. It’s best that you wear gloves while applying the tourniquet, but if no gloves are immediately available, you can proceed without them.
- Remove the tourniquet from your bleeding control kit (if applicable).
- Remove any barriers (such as clothing) from the wound site.
- Slide the band out of the buckle of the C-A-T.
- Wrap the band tightly around the injured limb, at least 2 to 3 inches above the bleeding site.
- Insert the tip of the band through the buckle and pull tightly.
- Wrap the band around the limb once again and continue to tighten it; don’t cover the windlass (rod) or clips. Fasten the band utilizing the hook and loop velcro.
- Twist the windlass until the bleeding stops.
- Clip the windlass into one of the adjacent clips to secure it in place.
- Check the victim for signs of bleeding and distal pulse.
- If bleeding continues or you detect a distal pulse, try re-tightening the tourniquet.
- Wrap the attached time strap around the windlass and band to secure them in place.
- Write down the time of application on the time strap.
Important: In order for a tourniquet like the C-A-T to work properly, it needs to be applied very tightly. If you can slide three fingertips between the band and the limb, it’s not tight enough.
How to Apply the C-A-T Using One Hand
The C-A-T was designed for one-handed application, and it’s one of the easiest tourniquets to use on yourself in an emergency. The one-handed application may be necessary if you’re applying the tourniquet to your own bleeding arm. It may also be necessary in any other scenario where you only have the use of one hand available. To begin, the band should still be looped through the buckle (this is the default configuration for the C-A-T).
- Slide the bleeding limb through the loop in the band.
- Position the tourniquet at least 2 to 3 inches above the bleeding site.
- Use your free hand to pull the band, tightening it around the limb.
- Wrap the band around the limb and tighten it firmly; don’t cover the windlass or clips. Fasten the band utilizing the hook and loop velcro.
- Twist the windlass until the bleeding stops.
- Clip the windlass into one of the adjacent clips to secure it in place.
- Check for signs of bleeding and distal pulse.
- If bleeding continues or you detect a distal pulse, try re-tightening the tourniquet.
- Route the band between the two clips and over the windlass.
- Wrap the attached time strap around the windlass and band to secure them in place.
- Write down the time of application on the time strap.
As in any uncontrolled bleeding emergency, it’s very important to apply the tourniquet as tightly as possible. If you’re doing it right, it should feel uncomfortable.
Troubleshooting the C-A-T Tourniquet
The Combat Application Tourniquet has been proven to be 100% effective by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, the most likely reason is that the tourniquet isn’t tight enough. Continue to turn the windlass until the bleeding stops. If that doesn’t work, loosen the windlass and band and try reapplying.
In addition:
- Make sure the tourniquet is positioned at least 2 to 3 inches above the bleeding site. If you’re unsure about the exact location of the bleed, just place it high above the injured area—still on the limb.
- Make sure that the tourniquet is not positioned over a joint such as a knee or elbow.
- Make sure there are no items inside the clothing (such as a wallet or keys) interfering with the tourniquet or causing additional injury. It’s okay to apply a tourniquet over clothing if necessary, but there shouldn’t be any items in the way.
In rare cases, one tourniquet might be insufficient to stop the bleeding. In larger individuals, for example, you might need to use two C-A-T tourniquets. In cases where two tourniquets must be used, make sure to apply the second tourniquet above the first. Also make sure that the rods don’t interfere with each other.
If you’re still unable to stop the bleeding, continue to apply direct pressure until emergency services arrive.
Be Emergency-Ready
The Combat Application Tourniquet has been the #1 choice of the Department of Defense for almost two decades. It’s easy to apply, and it’s proven reliable. If you’re looking to establish your own emergency preparedness plan, we recommend investing in a Stop the Bleed® kit equipped with a C-A-T tourniquet.
You never know when a bleeding emergency will occur, but you can make sure that you’re ready in the event that it does happen. So be sure to go with the best.
