- Control life threatening limb haemorrhage that cannot be controlled by direct pressure.
- Bleeding that can be controlled using other haemorrhage control measures.
CAT tourniquet application is life saving but can cause complications. Risks should be balanced against the risk of catastrophic haemorrhage.
- Compartment syndrome
- Permanent nerve damage, muscle injury, vascular injury
- Pain
- Loss of limb
- All relevant infection control methods are to be utilised.
- Remove C-A-T® from sealed package.
- Slip the C-A-T® device under the affected extremity and feed the self adhering band through the friction adapter buckle.
- Position the C-A-T® device above the site of the uncontrolled haemorrhage leaving at least 5cm of uninjured skin between the C-A-T® and the wound site. Apply directly to skin surface and not over clothing if possible.
- Pull the free running end of the self-adhering band tight.
- Securely fasten self adhering band back onto itself.
- Twist the windlass rod until the bleeding is controlled[1]. The tourniquet should be tight enough to stop all circulation to the injured limb and control the bleeding (ARC 2014).
- Lock the rod in place with the windlass clip and secure the windlass rod with the windlass strap[2].
- Record the date and time the tourniquet was applied and record it on the space provided on the tourniquet.
- Tourniquet Release: Long term tourniquet application may potentially result in the loss of limb.
- Plan early: at 60 minutes from time of tourniquet application, plan to contact the CSP in SOC who will arrange a consultation with the State Trauma Unit to minimise the risks associated with this procedure. There are instances where the risk associated with the trial of tourniquet release will outweigh the benefits of leaving the tourniquet In place
- Handover at hospital must include tourniquet location and application time. Do not cover with bandages or clothing.
- Apply CAT Tourniquet sticker to the patient. This must be in a region that is always visible. E.g. the patients shoulder.
- The tourniquet should be tight enough to stop all circulation to the injured limb and control the bleeding (ARC 2014).
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