Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T)

Rapid Control When Seconds Matter

The Combat Application Tourniquet, known as the C-A-T, is engineered to stop life threatening extremity hemorrhage quickly and reliably. Proven by the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research to be 100 percent effective at occluding blood flow in both upper and lower limbs, this one handed tourniquet is trusted by conventional forces and special operations. Its true one handed application allows a single responder to secure a casualty under fire or in austere environments, reducing ongoing blood loss and improving survival odds. Designed for rapid deployment from IFAKs, chest rigs, or trauma kits, the C-A-T is the frontline tool for controlling catastrophic limb bleeding in military, tactical, and civilian emergency response settings.

Precision Design and Single Routing Buckle

The Gen 7 C-A-T introduces a Single Routing Buckle that streamlines application by eliminating double routing, reducing slack in the band, and cutting the number of windlass turns needed to achieve occlusion. The kit features a reinforced windlass rod with increased diameter and aggressive ribbing for secure torque, a bilateral windlass clip for rapid lock, and a reinforced stabilization plate with a beveled contact bar to distribute pressure evenly. The sonic welded windlass security strap is tactical gray and provides a writable surface to record application time. The red elliptical Red Tip Technology® tab enhances visual placement cues during high stress scenarios.

Built Tough for Operational Conditions

Constructed to perform in all weather conditions, the C-A-T is built from durable materials that withstand repeated use in harsh environments. The free moving internal band is patented to provide true circumferential pressure, ensuring even distribution around the limb for effective occlusion. Reinforced components, including the windlass and stabilization plate, resist deformation under load. The product has been recognized by military medical bodies and was named among the top innovations in combat casualty care, reflecting rigorous field validation. Packaged compactly at 6.5 in by 2.4 in by 1.5 in and weighing 2.7 oz, it fits easily into kits without adding bulk.

Adaptable Use Across Missions and Training

Versatile across military, tactical, and civilian scenarios, the C-A-T works for upper and lower extremity wounds, blunt trauma, and penetrating injuries where direct pressure fails. It is recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and used by medics, first responders, and law enforcement to control catastrophic bleeding before evacuation. The straightforward Single Routing Buckle and writeable windlass strap simplify training, allowing a single protocol to be taught across units and agencies. The compact profile and robust construction also make it ideal for workplace trauma kits, search and rescue teams, and Stop the Bleed programs in public venues.

Professional Use

• Military field medics and combat casualty care units
• Emergency medical services and ambulance crews
• Law enforcement tactical medics and SWAT teams
• Hospital trauma teams for prehospital handoff and transport
• Search and rescue and tactical evacuation teams

Training and Civilian Use

• Stop the Bleed courses and public preparedness training
• Individual first aid kits, IFAKs, and workplace trauma kits
• Event medical teams and mass casualty preparedness
• Outdoor recreation and hunting first aid kits
• School and campus emergency response supplies