SWAT-T I saw the SWAT-T a couple weeks back on another forum and odered one to check out. Impressed by the design/concept and simplicity I contacted the owner of the company via email and he sent me a bunch to give away at classes and test out during individual and buddy care scenarios. Having carried the CAT for some time in my BOK/Vehicle and on my person during close protection details. I have been looking for alternative TQ's without a windlass and was attracted to the SWAT-T because of its mutli-purpose functionality. It can be used as a TQ, pressure dressing or elastic bandage. I carried one SWAT-T and a max absorb Tampon yesterday in a cargo pocket for around 12 hrs straight during a detail and totally forgot it was there. For $8.50 its hard to beat. Check them out if you EDC personal medical items on a regular basis or for work. Chris
Looks really good, actually. Have you applied it to yourself, and checked for distal pulses? And am I the only one who see folks with resumes like the TK's creator ("former Operator/Medic with 14 years experience in Operational Medicine (USAF Pararescue Journeyman (Para-Jumper or PJ)), National Registry Paramedic, and Emergency Medicine Physician") and feels like they haven't done anything with their life?
Hey Claren, Yes. That was my primary concern with this TQ- Support side single hand application. But, with a bit of practice I can apply it to myself no problem with no distal pulse after application. There are videos there on the SWAT-T site which demo self applications. So far I have been very impressed and for the price you cannot beat it. Chris
Just a mention: I picked up a couple of these because I was attracted to the 'general purpose' nature of the product, not just it's use as a tourniquet. Seemed like a quick and easy way for non-EMTs such as myself to self-apply a pressure bandage or hold a cold pack in place. Watched the included videos and played with the "trainer" (additional unit included free of charge). Works as advertised. I could apply it as a tourniquet to my own arm quick and easy. I'm putting one in my vehicle FAK, one in the bike kit (they're fairly compact), and keeping the trainer around the house. FWIW, the included videos are up on YouTube.
I just ordered a few to try. I mainly like that it looks good as a replacement for ace wrap (for combining w/ kerlix. The advantage of a windlas tourniquet is the ability to control the pressure (apply TQ, apply pressure dressing, test pressure dressing, leave TQ in place but loose if need to reapply). I think the CAT is complex & the plastic parts break under the force that can be required. The SOF version is better quality but, still a lot of moving parts. The best tourniquet I've seen is the NATO Tourniquet I'll have to try the SWAT-T out to pass judgement. For now I'm going to have it in the FAK in addition to the NATO.
has there been some independant testing? I didn't see this TQ in the last trials in Fla for the military. I'm guessing it doesn't generate the required amount of pressure to occlude properly.
You could contact them directly (swat.tourniquet at gmail.com) and inquire. Seemed like friendly enough folk.
I don't have personal experience with it, but one of our own members says that it occluded distal pulses entirely, which is the usual "test" for whether or not a TK is effective.
You'd think so but occluding distal pulses once isn't the test. It's a little more in depth than that. I'm infinitely familiar with the tests as I had a TQ of my own co-design in the trials. Mine was the "Q" and it was designed and built in my basement. You can search here on the net for what's called the "NAVSEA Trials" and download the results. For the record it's called the "Evaluation of self applied TQ's for combat applications, second phase" Plastic windlass bars tend to fail quite often.
Looks like the TEMS people are moving right along. An email from them today points to a few packaged products from their distributors utilizing the SWAT-T. One is a MOLLE compatible TK pouch (with a few other supplies), another is a series of vacuum-packed kits (including Quickclot, so they're kinda' expensive). Links to distributor pages are here: SWAT-T Distributor Page
IN my long experience in the Law Enforcement and being a Tactical Medic. I'd recommend the CAT TQ manufactured by North American Rescue Products. It's realible and easy to use.
