CAT Tourniquet

Question 1

What are the indications of application of a CAT tourniquet?

Answer 1

• uncontrolled haemorrhage from a limb despite direct pressure
  
  • multiple casualty scenes where patient numbers dictate that simple haemorrhage control measures cannot be individually applied

Question 2

What are the contraindications for application of CAT tourniquet?

Answer 2

• Bleeding that can be controlled using basic first aid measures

Question 3

What are the clinical precautions for application of CAT tourniquet?

Answer 3

• do not apply the tourniquet over a wound or joint
• once applied the tourniquet must be visible - it cannot be covered by any clothing or bandages
• this piece of equipment will be deployed in critical situations and requires regular practice to maintain familiarity and skill at quickly applying it whilst under stress
  
  • the primary reason for failure of the CAT is excess slack in the strap when first applied - other reasons for suboptimal results are too few turns of the windlass and failure to correctly work the strap buckle mechanism

Question 4

How do you apply a CAT tourniquet?

Answer 4

https://cpg.ambulance.vic.gov.au/assets/pdf/CWI/CWI%20OPS%20171%20Haemorrhage%20control%20using%20the%20Combat%20Application%20Tourniquet%20(CAT).pdf