Effects of Tourniquet Features on Application Processes Times

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Emergency Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Investigated the impact of emergency-use limb tourniquet design features on application processes and completion times.
• This study focused on the time-dependent aspects of tourniquet application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate how specific design features of emergency limb tourniquets influence application speed and efficiency.
• To identify optimal design characteristics for rapid and secure tourniquet application.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-four participants applied eight different tourniquet models after watching training videos.
• Application process times were meticulously recorded by analyzing video footage.
• Eight tourniquets were tested: Combat Application Tourniquet Generation 7 (CAT7), SOF™ Tactical Tourniquet-Wide Generation 3 (SOFTTW3), SOF™ Tactical Tourniquet-Wide Generation 5 (SOFTTW5), Tactical Mechanical Tourniquet (TMT), OMNA Marine Tourniquet (OMT), X8T-Tourniquet (X8T), Tactical Ratcheting Medical Tourniquet (Tac RMT), and RapidStop Tourniquet (RST).

Main Results:

• Application from 'Go' to 'touch tightening system' was fastest with clip and self-securing redirect buckle systems, with minimal issues.
• Time from 'touch tightening system' to 'last occlusion' was quickest using windlass rod systems under ideal conditions.
• For occluded and secure applications, time from 'touch tightening system' to 'Done' was fastest with self-securing tightening systems that tighten from a tight strap.

Conclusions:

• Suboptimal design features and application processes increase the time required to apply a tourniquet.
• Optimal tourniquet designs incorporate self-securing strap/redirect systems with easily identifiable and usable clips.
• Self-securing tightening systems are crucial for achieving fast, occlusive, and secure tourniquet applications.