How Do RATS Tourniquets Work?
WouterIf you’re a tactical operator, emergency medical technician, or firefighter, you know how important it is to have the RATS tourniquet on hand. The tourniquet is a commercially available, lightweight device that is designed for bleeding control. The tourniquet is made of a durable, flattened elastic band with a vulcanized rubber core. The band is available in red, black, and three hi-vis colors, and measures 48′ long and 0.5” wide. It’s attached to an aluminum cleat that loops back through the band for greater leverage while applying the tourniquet.
The RATS tourniquet works quickly, thanks to the compression-type design. This tourniquet works on both larger and smaller limbs. It’s lightweight and packs small. Its solid vulcanized rubber core and nylon sheath feature an a unique locking mechanism that allows it to remain securely fastened. RATS tourniquets are available in red, black, and hi-vis orange and green.
The RATS tourniquet can be set up in a variety of ways. First, you must set up the RATS by placing the rubber band on the arm. Next, you must wrap the band tightly around the arm. You should not pull or twist it to avoid blood loss. When applying the RATS, it’s important to avoid injury when applying it, and to make sure you follow the instructions carefully.
A review of these tourniquets and their application methods found that all three models had significant hemorrhage control capacity. However, the two new tourniquets did not offer a significant improvement over the C-A-T. They were also inferior in terms of speed of application and the simulated loss of blood. As a result, the RATS device was not yet approved by the TCCC.
