Best Tourniquet Devices For Medical and Home Use
Tourniquets have been around since ancient Greece. Considering the numerous wars that have happened over the centuries, they definitely need something to stop loss of blood due to traumatic wounds. Back then, a tourniquet can be made out of any common items and the disposable tourniquet of today is just as basic.
The difference from a rudimentary device, however, is that it can be unsafe and ineffective. Well, thanks to the best tourniquet devices on the market today, widespread use of tourniquet have become safe and effective.
Contrary to popular belief, tourniquets are not only used in hospitals but wherever uncontrolled hemorrhaging need to be controlled, including in a battlefield. People in the medical field, especially phlebotomists, are the most familiar with tourniquets.
Types of Tourniquets
Tourniquets come in different shapes and sizes and are designed for certain situations. What you choose could depend on how you wish to use one of the best tourniquet devices.
- Surgical tourniquets is used to control blood flow to a limb and allow a surgeon to perform an operation without the risk of blood loss. Orthopedic operations and plastic surgeries are two procedures that use tourniquet devices the most.
- Pneumatic tourniquets are often used to control severe bleeding in trauma and in emergency bleeding situations. Tourniquets in this situation need to work and stop blood loss quickly to prevent possible loss of the limb due to death of tissue.
- Silicone ring tourniquets, also known as elastic rings, do not require any tubes and wires, making them a self-contained device. The size must conform to the limb circumference of a patient and the dimensions where the wound is located. Combat/self-applied tourniquets are designed for combat application but can be used in other situations as well. It comes with a locking mechanism and windlass for easy self-application.
Tourniquet buying guide
With all the tourniquet devices to choose from, choosing one among the best tourniquet devices can be challenging. This tourniquet buying guide is created to help narrow down your options and help you make an informed decision.
What should you look for when buying tourniquet devices?
- Materials used
Check out the list of the best tourniquet devices 2018 and you will see that most are made of high-quality fibers that are strong and sterile but soft enough to protect against tissue damage.
- Durability
Highly durable and strong are two characteristics that a tourniquet must offer since they are likely to be used in tough and traumatic situations. In choosing one of the best tourniquet devices, make sure it is of high quality, reliable, and long lasting.
- Design and Shape
A tourniquet design must conform to its application. That is, a self-applicable or one-handed tourniquet must enable a patient/user to use it all by themselves.
It should be designed using the latest technology as well to ensure resistance to weather, shock, and pressure and quickly and easily prevent blood loss and to save lives.
- Weight
A heavy tourniquet increases the risk of damage to the soft tissue, so make sure the device you choose is gentle and light in the wound and still apply enough pressure to prevent blood loss.
- Size
Because tourniquet devices are used on different parts of the body, they come in various sizes. Choose one that best suit your needs.
- Performance
How quickly can a tourniquet stop a bleeding? Blood loss must be reduced within 30 seconds to 5 minutes with a good amount of pressure.
- Reusability
Are you looking for a single-use or reusable tourniquet cuff? Your choice will depend on whether or not the device is used in sterile or operative site.
- Extras
Can you use a cuff stabilizer or limb protection with a tourniquet device? Being able to do so has certain advantages, so choose wisely.
Best Tourniquet Devices 2023
- Recon Medical Gen 3 Combat Military Issue Kevlar Stitching Tourniquet (Black)
- 🏥【 ABOUT US 】Our tourniquet signed a cooperation agreement with the Ukrainian medical team! I am based on soldiers and only produce products that I use as soldiers. This is the same as the combat TQ the solider used when deploying overseas. It stops bleeding quickly and effectively with one hand.
- 🏥【 EASY TO USE 】Well designed for one hand operation, even you're traveling outside and unexpectedly injured without nobody accompanied with, you can also be treated by your own with it! A must-have for everyone!
- 🏥【SAVE LIVES】 Quickly stop the bleeding to any wounded extremity in seconds. Keeping a TQ near you at all times will give you the opportunity to save a life until emergency services arrive. 37.4 '' Extended long version military tourniquets are suitable for all situations.
- 🏥【HIGHEST-QUALITY MATERIALS】 Only the most indestructible nylons and reinforced polymers went into the production of this tourniquet. Whether you’re in a freezing environment, wet climate, or subject to high heat… this TQ will NOT fail.
- 🏥【 EASY TO CARRY 】 Smaller and lighter, easily add one or more to home emergency kits, cars, backpacks, motorcycles, range bag, construction belt or carried on a person for immediate use.
Designed with the best features, this tourniquet device can prevent blood loss and stop arterial blood flow in a short amount of time. It guarantees 100% effectivity and is designed with quick pressure adjustment and self-application.
With a patent pending finger hole design, it offers better grip when used during wet weather or where there’s blood and mud. It uses cold-resistant technology. The aluminum windlass and aggressive teeth pinch buckle combine for quick self-application and prevent strap peeling.
Pros
- Effective and safe to use
- Weather-resistant and lightweight
- Easy to use, self-applicable
- Simple design
Cons
- Material used is stretchy
- Some reports of receiving counterfeit product
- Tourniquet Combat Action IV Trauma Kit – Lia Medical Gen 4 Military Army Tactical Swat Application
- Trauma kit includes QuikClot first aid sponge and a SWAT-T tourniquet to quickly control bleeding
- Nitrile gloves and a biohazard disposal bag provide protection from spreading infections and disease
- Used by hospitals, EMS/first responders, military, law enforcement, general public & outdoorsman
- Fits perfectly in any first aid kit, suture kit, medical kit, iFAK pouch, EDC pouch & survival kits
- Travel safely with QuikClot in your car first aid kit, camping essentials & backpack emergency kit
The windlass tourniquet is part of a trauma kit that comes with a trauma bandage and emergency blanket. It follows the latest military design for one-handed application and uses aluminum windlass to apply and reach optimal pressure.
It comes with composite buckles that resist breakage on impact during cold weather. It is recommended for use by first responders, military medics/soldiers, and emergency medical services and is applicable in disaster preparedness, homeland security, search & rescue, law enforcement, and sports & outdoor situations.
Pros
- Effective, durable, and reliable
- Designed for self-application
- Quick and simple to use, even by someone with no experience using a tourniquet
- Blocks blood flow fast
Cons
- One-time use only
- Some reports of receiving counterfeit products
- Recon Medical Gen 2 Combat Military Issue Army Application First Aid Tourniquet (ORANGE)
- Official Tourniquet of the U.S. Army
- Proven to be 100% effective in occluding blood flow in both upper and lower extremities by the U.S. Army's Institute of Surgical Research
- Featuring NAR's Red Tip Technology with a red elliptical tip to assist user in locating and threading during application
- Reinforced windlass clip and highly visible security tab includes a writeable area to record the time of application
Designed highly durable, reliable, and compatible for a wide range of application, this tourniquet device is something you can rely on during tough and life-threatening situations. It is made of high-quality material with no curl tips, effectively preventing peeling.
It boasts of a good grip with its patent pending finger hole design and easily adjustable pressure. The windlass offers quick and easy self-application. The orange color makes this one of the best tourniquet devices because of its high visibility.
Pros
- Effective and durable
- Good grip makes it easy to use even in wet and cold conditions
- Designed for quick and easy self-application
- Arm and limb applications
Cons
- White Velcro strip hinders one-hand application
- Windlass diameter is small, making it hard to use
- North American Rescue Military Issue (Black)
- Product Type: First Aid Kit
- Country Of Origin: China
- Item Package Weight: 0.158 Kgs
- Item Package Dimensions: 17.78 L X 7.62 W X 2.54 H (Cm)
Marketed as the official tourniquet of the US Army, expect the device to work in traumatic situations, including in a combat field. It has proven 100% effective in occluding blood flow in lower and upper extremities.
The NAR’s red tip technology helps in locating and threading the tourniquet in affected areas. It comes with a reinforced windlass and a security tab that is highly visible and comes with a writeable area for timekeeping.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Effective with true circumferential pressure
- Works with wounds with significant hemorrhage
- Could be reusable
Cons
- Plastic exterior
- Bit on the expensive side
- Some reports of receiving a knockoff
- R.A.T.S. Rapid Application Tourniquet System
- Easy to Use - The RATS (Rapid Application Tourniquet System) Tourniquet is easy to learn and us.
- Simple Design - The design of the tourniquet is very simple, allowing for one handed use in cases where no other assistance is available.
- Small & Compact - It can be rolled up into a compact size for putting in first aid kits, survival kits, or anywhere you see fit to carry it.
- Versatile - Its unique design allows for use on all limb sizes, i.e. adults, dogs and children.
- Tried & Tested - Proven to be effective in occluding blood flow in both upper & lower extremities by the U.S. Army's Institute of Surgical Research.
Made of 1/2″ flat bungee cord, this tourniquet system from RATS is a low-profile carry device that is as effective as its more expensive counterparts. Even with a price that is half than traditional tourniquets, it boasts of a robust locking system for self-application, a solid vulcanized rubber core covered with a protective sheath, and vibrant color choices.
It can be used on people and pets, whether big or small.
Pros
- Strong and effective
- Stops bleeding quickly
- Versatile and flexible enough to be used on humans and animals
- Self-applicable
Cons
- Prone to slipping
- Grip can be improved
- Best used on small and slender limbs not on large ones
- Some complained of the metal edges
- Not as one-hand friendly
Conclusion
There you have it, the best tourniquet devices 2023. All of these tourniquets are from trusted sources and work as expected, with some offering a 100% guarantee of effectiveness.
