Custom Gear Report

The SWAT-Tourniquet is a fairly new piece of medical equipment and would make a great addition to an IFAK or larger sized First Aid Kit.  The best way to describe it is a very large I.V. tourniquet.  The name comes from directions for use; ‘Stretch-Wrap-And-Tuck Tourniquet’.  It measures about 3”x4”x1” in the package and unrolls to 4”x57.  Each SWAT-T comes with a pair of black Nitrile gloves and directions printed on the package as well as the actual bandage.

There are diamonds and ovals printed on the tourniquet that will distort to squares and circles if the band is stretched far/tight enough to serve as a tourniquet.  The secondary function of the bandage is as a pressure dressing if wrapped over gauze.  The SWAT-T can also be used as a sling or to immobilize a joint, much like you would use an ace wrap.

The SWAT-T is simple to use and, like the CAT, and can be applied one handed.  It has many advantages over the CAT, the biggest of which is the fact that the SWAT-T can be used to treat so many other injuries.  It is also much lighter than the CAT and, at under $10 for the tourniquet and about $20 for the MOLLE or belt carry, SWAT-T holder and tourniquet combo, it is much more economical.  The holder is available in most of the standard colors (Black, OD, ACU, Desert Tan and, Multicam).

The SWAT-T is available from a number of sources www.swattourniquet.com lists several links to dealers.

Ken Dood