Field Manual: Rothco MOLLE Tourniquet & Shear Pouch SOP

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Field Manual: Rothco MOLLE Tourniquet & Shear Pouch SOP

Category: First Aid Kits

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The Rothco MOLLE Tourniquet and Shear Pouch is an external equipment carrier that mounts to MOLLE-compatible platforms, giving law enforcement, military personnel, and trained first responders immediate one-handed access to a pre-staged tourniquet and trauma shears for rapid extremity hemorrhage control.

The pouch is designed around two operational priorities: retention and speed. The main compartment holds a single windlass-style or elastic tourniquet, secured by elastic side panels that apply constant lateral pressure and a hook-and-loop flap with an easy-grip pull tab. The pull tab is textured for a positive non-slip grip and is accessible from either the strong or support side, enabling deployment under duress without fine motor control. A discrete rear pocket holds trauma shears tip-down, separated from the tourniquet to prevent snagging during extraction.

Platform integration is achieved through three rear polypropylene snap straps with metal hardware, supporting both vertical and horizontal mounting on PALS/MOLLE webbing or duty belts. Recommended mounting positions include the front of a plate carrier or the weak-side of a duty belt, positioned to avoid interference with sidearm access. The front loop field with "TQ" lettering provides high-visibility identification, allowing other responders to locate the equipment even if the carrier is incapacitated.

Readiness requires daily pre-duty inspection covering the pouch body, hook-and-loop adhesion, elastic panel firmness, snap and strap integrity, and contents condition. Tourniquets used for training must be marked "TRAINING ONLY" and never returned to the duty pouch. The pouch is an equipment carrier only and confers no medical authority. Certified training in TCCC or TECC is a prerequisite for operational use.

Field Application Steps

1. STAGE THE TOURNIQUET: Prepare your tourniquet for immediate application per manufacturer instructions and your departmental protocol. For a CAT, remove it from the wrapper, feed the running end through the friction adapter to form a loop, secure the time strap to the windlass clips, then fold the time strap back on itself to prevent accidental adhesion to the pouch's hook-and-loop flap.

2. LOAD THE TOURNIQUET: Insert the staged tourniquet into the main compartment with the windlass oriented for immediate access upon extraction. Confirm the tourniquet seats fully within the compartment and the elastic side panels engage against it.

3. SECURE THE MAIN FLAP: Close the hook-and-loop flap firmly and adjust for a snug fit, ensuring both elastic side panels are engaged against the tourniquet. Verify the pull tab is fully free and unobstructed before proceeding.

4. LOAD THE SHEARS: Slide the trauma shears tip-down into the rear pocket, keeping them fully separated from the tourniquet compartment to prevent snagging during deployment.

5. SECURE THE SHEARS: Feed the horizontal retention strap through the top handle of the shears and secure it back on itself. Tug the shears firmly to confirm they are locked in place and will not shift or eject during running, climbing, or going prone.

6. SELECT AND EXECUTE PLATFORM MOUNT: Choose a mounting location accessible under stress that does not impede sidearm draw or access to other critical equipment. Recommended positions are the front of a plate carrier or weak-side of a duty belt. For vertical mounting, weave the two outer snap straps through MOLLE webbing in the correct sequence: through the gear, through the pouch webbing, then back through the gear. For horizontal mounting, use the center strap and one outer strap as spacing allows. Secure all snaps.

7. CONFIRM MOUNT SECURITY: Vigorously shake the mounted pouch in all directions to confirm there is no excessive play or wobble. A pouch that shifts under load is a liability in a deployment scenario.

8. CONDUCT DEPLOYMENT DRILLS: With eyes closed or averted, practice locating the pouch by feel. Form a full-hand grip on the pull tab, never using fingertips, then rip the flap open in a single aggressive downward or outward motion. Extract the tourniquet and bring it to the workspace. Drill this sequence with both the strong and support hand and from unconventional positions including kneeling and prone, until the action is independent of conscious thought.

9. EXECUTE PRE-DUTY INSPECTION: Before each operation, inspect the pouch body for rips, tears, or fraying seams. Verify hook-and-loop surfaces are debris-free and provide aggressive adhesion. Squeeze the elastic side panels to confirm they are firm and retract sharply. Check snaps and straps for secure closure and fraying. Remove and inspect the tourniquet and shears for wear, damage, or contamination, then re-stage and reload correctly.

Equip Yourself: Rothco MOLLE Tourniquet & Shear Pouch – Dual Carry Medical Holder

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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.