Post by Patriotic Sheepdog on Nov 29, 2015 15:01:55 GMT -5
Since we don't have a medical forum, I will just post this here.
Okay, since I have a few moments I would like to discuss TQs. I saw Protus post on a different thread that he carries four TQs on his load out. I believe panzer questioned why, in which Protus replied.
This got me thinking, how many TQs are too many?
I teach at my classes that each team member should carry at least two TQs that are rapidly available with either hand, in most any position they may find themselves. These two TQs need to be able to be deployed and placed with one hand. I prefer that they carry one on their CR and one on their BB if they use one. The reason for this if they have to ditch/cache their CR in a E&E situation (out of ammo or moving light and fast) they would still have one TQ with them.
There are many people that think the only time they will need to use the TQ is when they have an arterial bleed in an extremity. I teach that if in a firefight you should use a TQ if you take a round or sustain an injury to an extremity that is causing even moderate bleeding. The TQ should be quicker to deploy and place then an Izzy bandage. Get the TQ on, tighten it to stop the hemorrhage, and get back into the fight. Once the fight is over and you have a moment, then dress and bandage the wound appropriately. Obviously if the wound caught an artery, then the TQ may need to remain in place,
Now if TSHTF and I am at my retreat inside the wire, I will personally carry three TQs (my personal two plus one additional either for me or someone else). If I happen to be on a patrol with my team, then I will have at least three additional TQs with me. Now these two will usually be stored away in my enhanced FAK and my RAT-T in a cargo pocket.
The main thing is that you can get to and apply your TQ with one hand and not be moving your injured extremity. So many YouTubers show applying TQs with one hand and moving the other arm/leg (supposedly the injured arm/leg) like it has no injury. Now, in a real injury, you may be able to move the injured extremity but if the bullet has injured the neurovascular bundle or fractured a bone, you may not be able to move it. Therefore, when practicing your TQ placement, do so WITHOUT moving your “injured” extremity.
Which TQs do I use? My primary TQs are CATs. I have SOF-Ts, RAT-Ts and SWAT-Ts…plus the old type called cravats with a sturdy piece of wood if needed 8) Why the CATs, well I can apply them in most positions with my dominate and non-dominate hand on any extremity without moving the “injured” extremity. My RATs, SOF-Ts and SWAT-Ts are inside either IFAK, my enhanced FAK or cargo pocket to be used on others.
I have looked at (pictures and videos only) the SAVE TQs. www.savetourniquet.com
These are some newer TQs that have come out. They are expensive at about $46-48 each IIRC. But the cost, while it is important, is not my main problem with this TQ. The SAVE TQ has an upper extremity and lower extremity TQs. This would mean that you would have to carry a minimum of two. Which two do you pick? Two upper, lowers or one of each? So, to get the same coverage as having two CATs, I would have to buy two uppers and two lower SAVE TQs. This would run about $164 to cover all four of my extremities versus about $80 for CATs. Also, four TQs, two which are different then the other two, could cause a delay in getting the proper one for the extremity involved. These would also take up more real estate on your kit.
Just my two cents….YMMV
Okay, since I have a few moments I would like to discuss TQs. I saw Protus post on a different thread that he carries four TQs on his load out. I believe panzer questioned why, in which Protus replied.
This got me thinking, how many TQs are too many?
I teach at my classes that each team member should carry at least two TQs that are rapidly available with either hand, in most any position they may find themselves. These two TQs need to be able to be deployed and placed with one hand. I prefer that they carry one on their CR and one on their BB if they use one. The reason for this if they have to ditch/cache their CR in a E&E situation (out of ammo or moving light and fast) they would still have one TQ with them.
There are many people that think the only time they will need to use the TQ is when they have an arterial bleed in an extremity. I teach that if in a firefight you should use a TQ if you take a round or sustain an injury to an extremity that is causing even moderate bleeding. The TQ should be quicker to deploy and place then an Izzy bandage. Get the TQ on, tighten it to stop the hemorrhage, and get back into the fight. Once the fight is over and you have a moment, then dress and bandage the wound appropriately. Obviously if the wound caught an artery, then the TQ may need to remain in place,
Now if TSHTF and I am at my retreat inside the wire, I will personally carry three TQs (my personal two plus one additional either for me or someone else). If I happen to be on a patrol with my team, then I will have at least three additional TQs with me. Now these two will usually be stored away in my enhanced FAK and my RAT-T in a cargo pocket.
The main thing is that you can get to and apply your TQ with one hand and not be moving your injured extremity. So many YouTubers show applying TQs with one hand and moving the other arm/leg (supposedly the injured arm/leg) like it has no injury. Now, in a real injury, you may be able to move the injured extremity but if the bullet has injured the neurovascular bundle or fractured a bone, you may not be able to move it. Therefore, when practicing your TQ placement, do so WITHOUT moving your “injured” extremity.
Which TQs do I use? My primary TQs are CATs. I have SOF-Ts, RAT-Ts and SWAT-Ts…plus the old type called cravats with a sturdy piece of wood if needed 8) Why the CATs, well I can apply them in most positions with my dominate and non-dominate hand on any extremity without moving the “injured” extremity. My RATs, SOF-Ts and SWAT-Ts are inside either IFAK, my enhanced FAK or cargo pocket to be used on others.
I have looked at (pictures and videos only) the SAVE TQs. www.savetourniquet.com
These are some newer TQs that have come out. They are expensive at about $46-48 each IIRC. But the cost, while it is important, is not my main problem with this TQ. The SAVE TQ has an upper extremity and lower extremity TQs. This would mean that you would have to carry a minimum of two. Which two do you pick? Two upper, lowers or one of each? So, to get the same coverage as having two CATs, I would have to buy two uppers and two lower SAVE TQs. This would run about $164 to cover all four of my extremities versus about $80 for CATs. Also, four TQs, two which are different then the other two, could cause a delay in getting the proper one for the extremity involved. These would also take up more real estate on your kit.
Just my two cents….YMMV