Limb circumference/tourniquet width occlusion pressure predictions are not good substitutes for measurements. The wider SWAT-T has lower occlusion and completion pressures than the CAT. Decreases in muscle tension lead to decreases in tourniquet pressure, especially with the nonelastic CAT, which can lead to occlusion loss.

Proper application of the SWAT-T is easy and can stop extremity arterial flow but requires some training for many appliers.

Civilian prehospital providers encounter situations for tourniquet use, but many do not know information important for optimal tourniquet use. Therefore, if surgeons want civilian prehospital care to include the use of effective, arterial flow occluding tourniquets at appropriate limb locations, they need to communicate with their emergency medical service providers concerning tourniquet knowledge, training, protocols, and appropriate equipment.

No abstract