The SWAT-TourniquetTM is a one-of-a-kind, multipurpose dressing. Its name not only describes the methods of use Stretch, Wrap, and Tuck, but also the communities for which it was designed - law enforcement, private security, military and first responders in tactical situations.
These teams work in an environment with a high incidence of penetrating trauma, and the majority (two-thirds) of preventable deaths in the operational environment are caused by extremity bleeding.
The SWAT-Tourniquet allows for faster control of extremity bleeding and can be applied deeper into the groin and axilla than other tourniquets. One of its most significant advantages is its simplicity of use; individuals can effectively use it in seconds with little to no prior training.
The SWAT-TTM is a multipurpose, multi-use latex-free device!
As we all know, the operational environment necessitates both durable and versatile personnel and equipment.
The SWAT-T is a tough tourniquet. It has been advanced aged as well as heat and cold tested.
Tourniquet: A tourniquet should be used when the bleeding is severe (arterial) and there is a high risk of death. Tourniquets have been shown to be safe in most patients for at least two hours and up to six hours. All tourniquets, when used properly, may result in limb loss. This is a necessary risk in order to return our patients to their homes at the end of the day.
Pressure Dressing: The SWAT-T can and should be used as a pressure dressing to control hemorrhage or venous and capillary oozing. Wrap the SWAT-T around the extremity, then apply a sterile dressing (or standard gauze). You can then tuck or tape the end to keep pressure on the wound (preventing further contamination and re-bleeding). If the endpoints on the dressing are met, you may have a tourniquet and should check for good blood return in the extremity (pulse and capillary refill), or you risk the complications that all tourniquets have. Pressure dressings should be left in place until the wound can be managed definitively.
Elastic Bandage: The SWAT-T is suitable for use as an elastic bandage (example: ACE Wrap). Apply the dressing to sprains and strains to hold ice, to stabilize a twisted knee/ankle, or to sling a shoulder. The dressing can also be used to apply pressure to the chest or abdomen in a loose manner. This can be used to help close and protect wounds, contain abdominal contents during evisceration, or aid in pelvic stabilization during blunt pelvic trauma. The SWAT-T can be used to immobilize an extremity by splinting it to the body, another leg, or a rigid object.
Background: The SWAT-T was created by a former Operator/Medic with 14 years of operational medicine experience - former USAF Para-rescue Journeyman (Para-Jumper or PJ)), Contractor DOJ/FBI SWAT Operations, National Registry Paramedic, and Emergency Medicine Physician.
