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C-A-T Tourniquet Gen 7: Field Manual & SOP

Category: Medical Tape & Bandages

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The C-A-T Generation 7 Combat Application Tourniquet is a one-handed or two-handed hemorrhage control device used by military personnel, emergency responders, and trained civilians to stop life-threatening arterial bleeding from an arm or leg in prehospital settings.

The C-A-T Gen 7 achieves arterial occlusion through a purpose-built mechanical system. The Self-Adhering Band and Single Routing Buckle allow rapid slack removal with a single pass-through, reducing both application time and the number of windlass turns required. The Windlass Rod, a 4.5-inch composite rod with increased diameter for torque resistance, twists the Internal Free-Moving Band to generate evenly distributed circumferential pressure. This design prevents pinching and ensures true arterial occlusion rather than partial compression.

Effective deployment follows a five-phase protocol: assess and place the tourniquet high and tight on the limb, route and tighten the band until no slack remains, twist the windlass until bright red arterial bleeding stops completely, confirm occlusion by checking for the absence of a distal pulse, then lock the Windlass Rod into the Windlass Clip and document the time of application in 24-hour format on the Time Strap. Receiving medical personnel depend on that documented time to make critical treatment decisions.

Readiness requires more than carrying the device. The C-A-T must be staged outside its plastic wrapper, folded with a loop of 4 to 6 inches in diameter, and immediately accessible with either hand. Monthly visual inspections of the strap, buckle, clip, and windlass are mandatory. Any device used in a real-world application must be removed from service immediately and replaced.

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Field Application Steps

1. ASSESS THE INJURY AND RETRIEVE THE DEVICE: Identify life-threatening extremity hemorrhage by looking for spurting bright red blood, pooling blood, or blood-soaked clothing. Grasp the C-A-T from its staged location on your person or kit.

2. PLACE THE TOURNIQUET HIGH AND TIGHT: Slide the loop over the injured limb and move it as high up as possible. For an arm, position high on the bicep. For a leg, position high on the thigh. Do not place the device over a joint or over a pocket containing bulky items.

3. ROUTE AND TIGHTEN THE BAND: Wrap the Self-Adhering Band around the limb and route the red tip through the Single Routing Buckle. Pull the band aggressively tight until you cannot fit three fingers between the strap and the limb, then secure the band back on itself.

4. TWIST THE WINDLASS ROD: Rotate the Windlass Rod until bright red arterial bleeding has stopped completely. Continue tightening until hemorrhage control is confirmed. Do not stop early.

5. CONFIRM ARTERIAL OCCLUSION: Check for the absence of a distal pulse at the site appropriate to the injured limb, such as the radial pulse at the wrist for an arm application. If bleeding has not stopped, tighten the windlass further or apply a second tourniquet directly above the first.

6. LOCK THE WINDLASS ROD: Seat the Windlass Rod fully into the Windlass Clip. The rod must be completely immobile. A partially seated rod is a failure point.

7. SECURE THE TIME STRAP: Wrap the Windlass Strap over the Windlass Clip, covering both ends of the rod to provide redundant security against unwinding.

8. DOCUMENT TIME OF APPLICATION: Using a permanent marker, write the time of tourniquet application in 24-hour format directly on the Time Strap. Do not cover the tourniquet. Leave it fully visible for first responders and receiving medical personnel.

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CAT Tourniquet Gen 7 - NSN 6515-01-521-7976

Equip Yourself: CAT Tourniquet Gen 7 - NSN 6515-01-521-7976

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.