Fold and Stage a CAT Tourniquet

[@williammadison6796]

I'm a cop and I used his second technique to set up my tourniquet. It ended up saving a victim's life a few days ago (as his foot had been cut off from his leg and I had to place it on his thigh). Very good video and I highly recommend the second way to fold the tourniquet.

[@joeyc1866]

Hi What brand and model do you recommend .Looking to buy a tourniquet

[@eddieherzig8264]

@@joeyc1866 The most common and the best is CAT Tourniquet from North American Rescue. But whatever is the newest generation (at writing it’s the gen 7). The NAR ones may be a bit more expensive but it’s what’s approved by TCCC and you don’t have to worry about failing equipment when you need it most.

[@gaylecoombs5510]

Recon medical is good I hear alot of good things about them

[@PrepMedic]

They are not good. For so many reasons, don’t buy them

[@gaylecoombs5510]

@@PrepMedic what is the reasoning behind recon medical not being good I don't think I have heard one bad thing from them?

[@jodyhill303]

Thank you PrepMedic, from an old Viet Nam vet. I still train often with friends and always bring a Blowout Kit. Two training weekends were with Kris Paronto (Tanto) and Dave Benton (Boon), the real guys of “13 Hours in Benghazi” book and movie. One drill was to sprint 100 meters carrying a cinder block, apply a Tourniquet to one of your own arms, then shoot the target. I periodically review stop the bleed procedures to remind myself what to do. Thank you and all the U.S. Army Medics and Dust Off helicopter pilots, as well as those before and after Viet Nam. They have saved countless of our Brothers and Sisters. Your video is awesome, thank you again.

[@zebdawson3687]

This channel actually saves lives. Absolutely one of the greatest channels on the platform, hands down.

[@lrfdfirefighter]

Always ran the first method, really like the second method....over 20 years as a professional fire fighter and can always learn something.Thats why its such a great job.

[@30ART5]

Me: watches video Also me: fixes tourniquet immediately after finishing video

[@isaacward5162]

Lol same

[@hn-kj6ny]

Same.

[@TheLimbReaper]

Same. I did the second military wrap option.

[@guyrivers1143]

Me 2 .lol

[@PatRick-rm6dh]

#metoo

[@MrJohnnygalan]

In the grunt Corp we were taught by our navy docs to keep the tourniquet open and not in a loop. We were also taught that you need to use both openings in the plastic buckle to ensure a tight hold. Straight, flattened, folded to length, security tab out of the way, and easy access to the red tab. You cannot count on slipping a loop over a messy wound and worse with obstructions like debris or nasty leg amputations. Learning to apply without the loop still allows for a 30 second or less application with less complications. We were also taught to keep multiple tourniquets ready to apply a second higher up on the wound. I carried 3 on easy access in Iraq.

[@iannelson2616]

Current grunt corps guy and we’re still taught the same way by our docs

[@mcied1]

@@iannelson2616if you train this way under stress it’s fine. It’s when people try this that aren’t and it causes big issues. Trying to use fine motor skills to find that loop can be really hard on a bleed out.

[@SavageVoyageur]

I’m making a trauma first aid kit and just got my CAT tourniquet today. Your videos have been very helpful to me teaching me how to use it. Thank you for your videos.

[@moduman0072]

You've missed an important point, its important that the strap is a little bit offset so you can open the strap easily with gloves on.

[@proteinprofeten]

moduman00 good point. I’ll start doing that.

[@Warvvolf]

That's actually a great idea. Thanks.

[@bananaboat8220]

I fold the strap to the back and tuck it in between the the folds of the tourniquet on the Velcro surface. When you rip it open the strap falls out, you don’t have to fiddle around with trying to get the strap off.

[@rando8644]

Thanks for the info

[@scottstubbs9913]

I did that.

[@ninjagaming2036]

This was a great video and I am so lucky I jumped on it. Currently my national guard unit is getting certified in CLS (Combat Life Saver) and our new IFAKs come with two tourniquets. Being able for us to set these up correctly is a must. Also within this month on my 21st birthday I am finally going to be gaining experience on the civillian side in EMS as a driver and working my way up to EMT and eventually Paramedic. Proud and long term follower here :)

[@behindthen0thing525]

Good

[@1austindoug]

Thanks for this. May is Stop the Bleed month and I took a class at a library in Lincoln, Nebraska that used the NAR training kit. (I was LEO pre-tourniquet carry) I just received my CAT 7 so good timing on finding your video. In the class they told us of a local radio personality who was hit on his motorcycle. An unknown person (possibly LEO) applied a tourniquet before EMS arrived and saved his life. Lost his leg but he lived and is very active. New subscriber.

[@efreddy34]

I find it best to meet halfway on the time stamp strap aspect. Folding it back on itself with a small piece hanging above the windless so there is something to grab instead of trying to peel it off the velcro. Also I’ve been trained to keep in mind single hand application to yourself when determining packaging. Great video and CAT are best tourniquets I’ve used out of several options on the market.

[@PrairieStateArmory]

Good tip. Just tried it and I can see where it would be helpful under stress or with a gloved hand.

[@truehope287]

I don't understand these directions...

[@alliwantisfinancialstabili7414]

Thank god I decided to watch this, I had my tourniquet staged exactly like the mistakes you mentioned. The velcro on the time strap kept rubbing my arm so i just wrapped it around so that it'd be easier to pull out from my vest, and I had the loop pulled small and narrow, not knowing any better. Currently carrying a cheap 10$ tourniquet, after seeing a bunch of people talk about CAT tourniquets, I decided to go buy a handful asap. This $10 one will work great for training purposes though. Need to get myself skilled at applying a tourniquet.

[@mcied1]

Definitely stay away from cheap TQs. They are cheap for a reason. They snap if they are left in heat or cold. Don’t try and save money when it’s life or death.

[@sundance1865]

Thank you for doing this! We just received our tourniquets and only received basic instructions on how to use it. Forwarding this to the rest of my guys.

[@danielmarshall4587]

OUTSTANDING. Thank you for your time and effort bringing us this video. Tourniquets are now becoming a "THINK" here in the UK, your insight is very much appreciated.

[@Jon-dd1tw]

where i serve we learned to do it different, you are right about the time strip and the windlass. also before putting the strap thru the buckle,pull it so there is no slack on the windlass. We fold the strap around 1/3th but don't fold the 2 sticky parts to each other and fold the red end so you can easly grab it with combat gloves. the important part about our folding method is that you can use the TQ one handed on yourself and that the strap doesn't stick to each other but just falls open and you can use it without struggling.

[@flyboy8752]

Love the method shown at 2:22 because it also fits better in the cargo pocket too!

[@fatboyrowing]

I have never used a CAT, but want to add it to the company kit at work (machinery that generated hundreds of tons of clamping force) and to my vehicle kit. Thanks so much for an incredibly useful and important video.

[@turdfurg47]

"Being prepared buys you time and time buys you options" - john Carrara from active self protection

[@trontosaurusrex9532]

I love that quote.

[@Dontlookification]

That guy is a joke.

[@caiman114]

@@Dontlookification Yep. Seeing him quoted like he was Sun Tzu or something kinda blew my mind a little.

[@Lucas12v]

@@Dontlookification I kinda agree with you but there's also the saying "I've never met a man so ignorant that i couldn't learn something from him." - Galileo

[@chaddking8333]

@@Dontlookification You’re a joke

[@minilockwood24]

After watching this video I really liked the “new” way of staging tourniquets. The only thing I changed is the time stamp tab...I have one corner not attached to the Velcro so it is easier to grab with bloody gloves or in a high stress situation where fine motor skills are decreased.

[@robincrook5630]

Wow, you gave one of the easiest videos to follow for storing the tourniquet. I have long been the "go to" person when we camp and hike for first aid (and for meals, ha) so I want to know how to use and store these items right. Thanks!

[@mr.puddles5246]

Thanks dude. I have been using the first folding method, but I left the time tab over the windless. I will change that pronto.

[@micah2767]

Thank you! Just purchased a tourniquet case for my belt (training as an emt, going for my license in the next several months depending on the status of covid) and had trouble re-wrapping mine. With this video, I did it in less than a minute. Thanks!

[@K.J.Conradd]

Thank you again, sir! I got my very first tourniquet and I dont know how to properly fold and store it. I went to your channel to see if there is any tips and you never fail! I'm learning the basics of first aid and proper ways for a civilian to use emergency medical tools.

[@DS-ew7sp]

Great info. I've staged my TQs the second way you demonstrated for years and it works really well. I fold my time flap back on itself so it is out of the way but still holding onto the velcro a little bit.

[@DMN96]

Awesome video. I volunteer on Search and Rescue and I'm repackaging all of my tourniquets following the second method. 👍👍

[@fauseth]

Thank you for that. Saved at LEAST 10 seconds on my deployment practice. Trying to fine tune. I think I’m going with the second storage option since I fumble under stress. I think that trying to increase the aperture would be more difficult under that type of pressure. I’ve modified the storage of all my tourniquets… I’ll continue practicing until I no longer have to think about it.

[@takeahike2993]

Thanks for all of the videos: the differences in expected casualty size really affects the set to carry. Makes you consider everything when you go out, which is important. Thanks for the knowledge! Keep it coming.

[@SkinnyMedic]

Great video!

[@peterhsu987]

This video WILL save people's lives, if not ALREADY! Superbly done!

[@simonsignolet5632]

Concise and to the point - THANKS. On the 1st tourniquet (white time strap), I noticed that you instinctively replaced the time strap slightly offset (angled) and over hanging - which allows it to be easier gripped and from two directions. On the 2nd (grey), the time strap is laid too neatly over the first "bracket hook" with no overhang to grip. Then you explained about carrying it with the time strap right across BOTH bracket hooks for tidiness. I think you meant both as deliberate mistakes as you started by saying the right and wrong way, but you only pointed out the "tidy" method as a mistake. I'm a 1980s/90s soldier so these tourniquets are new kit to me. Back in the day, I was taught the method of using a scrim scarf (as a folded triangular bandage) and rod/branch. This is still current doctrine in civvie first aid where gunshot and blast injuries are rare (I'm in the UK) (not to say that these injuries are the only times you'll use a tourniquet). I've kept my skills alive but thought I'd enter the 21st Century so I bought two of these... 😉 They now live in my expedition team FAK - but I should get more. If I hadn't seen this video, I'd have likely left them sealed in their packets - where they WEREN'T prepped for use.

[@Superbus753]

In Swiss Military i was told to fold the cat tourniquet the first way you showed in this video. it was actually the first thing we had to do. Remove it from the poaching plastic and fold it correctly

[@firemedic5170]

Just modified our storage and carry methods thanks to your vid. Thank you buddy, be safe out there!

[@TheTroopersCorner]

Excellent! I really liked the second (accordion style) deployment method, after training a few times with it I think I will recommend all of our departments TQs get stored in this manner.

[@TheirishkingadventuresBlogspot]

That combat technique is great! it makes deploying the tourniquet much easier, thanks for the vid!

[@qdawg21]

Thank you! You made it easy to understand. Bout my first two CAT and am going with the second method! Love it!

[@diablo56100]

Was a volunteer at a hospital, they taught the volunteers trauma and gunshot first aid for a certification. Made it a requirement for me to carry at least one or two tourniquet on me. Landed on this video and I prepped my tourniquets the second way. Thanks for this!

[@threeoeightwadcutter2820]

Simple but very important. If you ever tried to stop aterial bleeding and adrenalin pumps trough your venes, you will know how good preperation comes into play. Thanks for sharing. Please keep on. Greetings from the Blue Family from Germany. Greetings. 308

[@100fredkrueger]

Thanks for the help. Just got my cat 7 in and I’m building my med kit. Got some chest seals, Israeli bandage, scissors, quick clot.

[@Razmamah]

Great video man. I'm a 68W in an airborne infantry unit, and I fold mine two ways. The first way is for MY tourniquets, aka self-aid, and I use a weird way an 18D showed me while I was deployed. Run the velcro through the buckle, and fold the tip in on itself without going through back over the top of the buckle, which allows you to pull it tight very easily. The second is for my aid bag/ buddy aid tourniquets and I simply fold the velcro in half without going through the buckle, then accordion fold it down. I can't stand fighting with the loop method especially with soldiers who have boots and a bunch of crap in their pockets. Hey, a million ways to skin a cat though and however you can do it fastest is the best method.

[@lincolnpascual]

I also do the 2 ways thing... the CATs in the IFAKs get the accordion method and the ones staged around my kit get the loop method (2nd one he shows). I usually carry 5 CATs total (1 for each limb plus an extra), plus a backup SWAT-T because it's versatile for more than just a tourniquet. Maybe it's a bit overboard, but I'd rather carry the extra weight (as little as it is) than find myself lacking when the time comes. Better over prepared than under, right?

[@shoruda]

@@lincolnpascual damn right

[@J_Madison]

I just had to self rescue and apply a tourniquet to my dominant arm to prevent massive blood loss due to a very deep laceration. The Windlass Strap being in place already (it was a new trauma kit I hadnt prepped prior) was a MAJOR issue in one handed operation and made the attempt take several times longer than necessary. My off hand was covered in blood from compressing the injury and it was incredibly difficult to remove the Windlass Strap in order to access the windlass rod. The adrenaline and the fact I had started going into shock a bit only made it worse. Pay extra attention to the small details when preparing - it could save your life.

[@bikerchrisukk]

Thank you for the video, just got three of them, one for workshop, kitchen and car.

[@fireemscraftsman2016]

I really like folding about and inch tab with the red tip. That makes it easy to grab for self deployment.

[@fireemscraftsman2016]

Agreed. For self application though I slip it over my foot and up my leg. On a patient however I will hopefully have to go around someone holding pressure so I can see where it would hinder in that setting.

[@Anatidae_Enthusiast]

Agreed. I will incorporate this in my TCCC courses from here on.

[@sailure1]

great video. one comment that shouldn't be used to negate this educational and informative video, only some people lose fine motor skills in stress filled situations. People who are used to stress and people who can disassociate themselves improve fine motor skills under stress.

[@agmsmith4079]

An army 18D taught me to do something similar to your 2nd method but you pull a little more through the buckle fold it back down on itself to make a 2” or 3” pull handle with the end of the strap. It allows you to put it on and tighten it on yourself one-handed.

[@ratroute8238]

That is the best way for a One Handed application, because if you fold it correctly almost no Velcro will be stuck to itself allowing easier application. Check out Tactical Rifleman channel for a tutorial.

[@agmsmith4079]

@@ratroute8238 ...the 18D I learned it from, Shane Kerwin, does all the medical stuff for Karl’s channel! 👍

[@ratroute8238]

@@agmsmith4079 Cool, those guys will share just about anything and we are better for it! I you ever see him, say "thanks" from me!

[@agmsmith4079]

@@ratroute8238 ...I will. He used to teach at Royal Range in Nashville but I haven’t seen him there in a little while and they don’t have his profile up as an instructor on the site anymore. He was great. Tons (20 years worth) of real world experience and an amazing teacher.

[@christian14329]

I suggest to start practicing how to use tourniquet’s using only 1 hand. Excellent video!!

[@BraiytryeneGibbons]

This was spot on. Thanks for helping me set my tourniquet up better

[@boeyjerkley5422]

Just got my first IFAK for civi use. Thanks for the information and helping me set it up. Here's hoping I don't ever actually need it though.

[@donaldgsweeney]

Holy crap. This was information I seriously needed!!!!!! THANK YOU BROTHER

[@harleyheath4879]

I will be sharing this video with my army unit when we do a TQ refresher. Thanks!!

[@tampa_sal]

Joined Army as 91B (Combat Medical Specialist) Feb. 2001. Gear has gotten way better since then.

[@Mike_Y.]

Brother, thank you. I was losing my mind trying to get this down on my own

[@TheDarkestOne37]

My Sheriff's department trained us to use that first method. They also have us place a minimum of three Nitrile gloves in the fold. Why three? Because you will drop at least one when you really need it. I place four in them. The only difference we use is to leave a little tail of the time stamp sticking out in order to grab it to make it easier to lift off, but not enough to go all the way across. I like that second way too. I might have to try that out to see if I like that better.

[@ricardoaguilar4750]

Thanks very use full tips regards from Costa Rica 🇨🇷

[@Unicorn161]

Also make sure the windlass isn't tightened. Even a new one in the wrap can come with the windlass tightened a turn or two.

[@daxter8792]

@AriPlatz taking it out of the packaging won't damage or cause it to degrade, so it's best to open it so you can get a feel on how it works and set it up so you know how it is set up. Don't want to open it and find they just happened to send it with the opening only big enough for an arm when you need it on your leg or something.

[@Unicorn161]

@None If the windlass is already turned, then you won't be able to tighten it much when you use it. That means it likely won't be able to be tightened enough to stop the blood flow. So you waste even more time to undo it, pull the strap tighter, then tighten the windlass. That's a lot of blood being pumped out while you're doing it. And if you mean the 5-10 seconds to loosen it while you'll pulling it out, do you want to see more of your son's or daughter's blood being pumped out while you're wasting the time to do something you should have had staged properly to begin with?

[@janwolski4653]

Idk how but I'm still having problems with folding it in first method but the second is absolutely perfect 👌. Happy that I checked this video 💯

[@theociba3762]

Very clean explanation. I like both options and tried both.

[@bathwars]

Not the video I came looking for, but very important information right here. Thanks a ton! Changed the way I carry!

[@Heisenberdy]

Just so that people know...the way a commercial tourniquet is folded out of the package is absolutely fine. It isn't the best per se, but it is absolutely good enough. All you have to do is keep it folded the way you bought it. Pre-folding yourself is advanced stuff and no one that has to watch a video to know how to do it should do it themselves to begin with. Just store it the way it was bought and know how to use it in general

[@YourAverageGamer668]

Me and family are in the raf and we use your “wrong way” and it has worked perfectly on the front lines in combat

[@jdmeaney413]

Thank you for your excellent experience and advice.

[@LoiteringReaper]

Motor skills deteriate under stress, so true. With basic first aid training, sometimes your memory will go blank when a situation is different than what you had practiced. So the key is to be quick thinking and do big motions. Trying to fiddle with something small during stress usually leads to tremors in the hands and dropping items frequently.

[@PrairieStateArmory]

Great video. Thanks for providing useful content to help me improve.

[@Americafirst89]

😎 very helpful video, I actually like option number two which is the military version, I’m a civilian never served the military, but that option seems more comfortable for me. I’m practicing both option anyway just for extra knowledge. Thank you!

[@rhabeldibabeldi6812]

Thank you so much, I immediately fixed how my TQs were stored

[@michaelking783]

Well done my friend. VERY useful information.

[@jordanbaker3381]

Hello from 2024, wife and I are learning civi medical skills. Thank you very much!

[@jiujitsuforall8627]

I like that 2nd Infantry-style method. To me it looks cleaner, more compact, and slightly easier to access. Thanks for the info.

[@donalddodson7365]

Thank you PrepMedic! I like how you reinforce the reality that "fine motor skills" disappear when the hot red stuff is splattering into your face!

[@05psd916]

As one comment mentioned, take the time strap and turn it 90° and leave about 1/2" sticking up to easily grasp. And with the velcro and red end, I create a 6" T with the buckle in the middle. To apply, place over limb and grab the overlapped area and pull, no fumbling with the red tip, just a nice big flap to grab when it counts.

[@keeneyeful]

Great point with the Time Tab! Even just opening mine while watching the vid I found I had to play around with it to open on the right side...

[@longgone9869]

Why not set you’re tourniquet up so you have Velcro against slick so you don’t have to pull it apart, it just drops completely open? Wouldn’t that make it a lot easier for one-handed self application?

[@JKRPLAYSGAMES]

I just bought a new tq and i hope i never have to use it (i play air soft) but if i do i trust that this information will save someone’s life

[@adrianzamfir2663]

Great video! thank you for the information. for sure you helped save some lives.

[@ricksnodgrass3645]

I like the idea of folding the time strap back under the main strap but have found it can get in the way while applying the T. I like to hook it back to the Velcro as shown but leaving a trail out over the rod opening. I make sure it’s not long enough to Velcro across the opening just have a loose tail over the opening. This ensures the time strap is out of the way, doesn’t get under the T while applying and has a nice tail to grab when needed.

[@HeathInHeath]

Thanks for this. Very useful and the explanation of the reasoning is helpful.

[@MichiganWildcat]

Great video! Very helpful information for us civilian newbs!

[@Alekseus84]

Very useful video. I check my tourniquet and so 1st mistake. So after your video I fix it. Thank you

[@AndrewCoonfield]

Thank you for the breakdown! Just redid all my TQs

[@ronalzavaleta9647]

thank you for you advice, this is my favorite channel

[@preacher1776]

This was a great, practical video. Thanks!

[@blackhawks5281]

hello, good morning, long ago I was looking for a channel as well as yours, I liked the video a lot, although I have to use the translator since I am from Chile, although something that others see as simple is very important, now I will use your second method and it is quite practical, greetings from iquique chile, in this quarantine, hoping that you keep uploading all kinds of videos ... greetings from the Airsoft Team BLACKHAWKS TARAPACA ... I will gladly show your video to all my friends

[@gamegeekx]

You just gave me a chance to save a life someday in my low level security job. Thanks. Although we are never as good as 1st responders like ya'll, we still count for something.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Become an EMT or Medic than you will be dude!

[@willmoore3537]

excellent content time loss is blood loss keep doing what you doing 👍👍

[@FranciscoJavierOutdoors]

Thanks for the info, I just setup my TQs exactly like this. Seconds are extremely valuable in life and death situations.

[@znovosad555]

I’m an EMT, hopefully conservation officer soon. Always carried a cat on me just in case. Decided to get myself an eleven 10 holder for it to add to my belt. Anyone can say what they want, but I’m at least prepared for situations that can come up as EMS. There’s this stigma in EMS of carrying tools making you a whacker. I have a streamlight strion, a radio holder, SOG parashears and now the tourniquet on my belt. I don’t personally think it’s excessive. And I opt to wear a duty belt over a standard belt for comfort reasons. I find it allows it so accessories don’t dig into my skin

[@serhiyvepshyn8327]

Thank you! Second way of CAT folding is quite cool. I'll follow it.

[@DMosleyCFS]

Excellent demonstrations👍

[@thomasronkainen9464]

The second method also gives the tq a wider profile so it has greater retention in an elastic tq hammock

[@warstriker857]

My JROTC class just did a stop the bleed course and they gave us a CAT tourniquet and ACE bandage so I needed this to store it properly in my backpsck

[@Hyokano]

I z-fold my tourniquet then put the white velcro tab over it so when i pull the red tab I open the white tab open as well. I don’t like to pre-loop mine unless it’s for upper-extremity self-application only (I’m a Corpsman so in the profession there’s a chance I need to self-apply)

[@robertthomas3907]

Thanks for the info. Had mine set up with the big loop but snafu the time tab

[@bluex-ray1979]

Method #2 is on target! Great job👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Txpo50]

As a 68W and SWAT medic, I never ran my straps through the buckle for storage. It's a whole lot easier to slide the strap under an extremity than it is to start at the foot or wrist and shimmy it up that limb, especially if there's something precluding the loop from being moved to a high and tight position (which is where all hasty TQs should be placed). I also removed all my Time tabs as a personal preference because a properly applied deliberate TQ should be wrapped in 1.5 turns of tape anyway.

[@Thenotfunnyperson]

So you never anticipated losing an arm in combat. Impossible to feed strap through loop 1 handed. Good luck with self aid.....

[@Txpo50]

@@Thenotfunnyperson it’s definitely not impossible. We actually practiced it regularly. Sucks for you that you can’t figure it out, though.

[@herpesherpes8864]

Holy shit I was running mine almost the same way without the lip being folded over. That's genius man. Thanks for this video!

[@ThomasShue]

I like the SOF tourniquet. It’s way way cool. There is a clip to remove the loop of you can’t slide the extremity through the tourniquet loop. The windless is is metal and only cost like $25

[@drewcam]

Augst 2024! Still a great video. Got all my tq's staged now, they are actually thinner and fit better in my bags.

[@supersai03]

Just folded mine whiskey style and stowed in nwu blouse pocket. Thanks for info 👍

[@widlyman5097]

Awesome video thank you - that second way is perfect

[@amoulet69]

Simple guy. Enjoyed it. Liked it. Thank you.

[@charleslindberg829]

I found this very helpful. I love your videos!