Skill Sheet – Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT)
Storage Configuration
Learning Objective:
Demonstrate the proper technique and procedures for storing the CAT
References:
TECC, TCCC and manufacture guidelines
Evaluation Method:
Students will be evaluated as a Pass/Fail (P/F). The instructor will verify the accuracy of the
student’s ability to effectively demonstrate the proper technique and procedure to store the
CAT
Materials:
Student checklist
CAT
Instructor Guidelines:
1. Provide each student with a student checklist
2. Ensure student has all student-required materials
3. Read the learning objective and the evaluation method to the student
4. Explain the grading of the exercise
5. Have student perform tourniquet storage configuration procedure
Performance Steps:
1. Explain importance of proper tourniquet storage configuration. Explain that the CAT
comes packaged in the proper storage configuration.
2. Explain recommendation for separate tourniquets for training and operational use.
3. Explain need to follow standard precautions for the care of nylon products.
4. Disassemble loop and unwind windlass
5. Clean inner circumferential band in windlass clip area
6. Fully extend inner circumferential band
7. Insert tab of band into friction buckle (slit closest to windlass clip)
8. While holding tourniquet by the windlass clip, pull tip of band to bottom of loop
9. Mate velcro of band below friction buckle
10. Fold tourniquet in half, Velcro to velcro
11. Ensure windlass securing strap is velcroed to one side of the windlass clip, not across the
clip
12. Store with windlass clip down and towards body
13. Deploy by grabbing outer folded band section with tip of band pointing down
1
Combat Application Tourniquet – Storage Configuration
Task
1st
1. Explains importance of proper tourniquet storage
configuration. Explains that the CAT comes packaged
in the proper storage configuration.
2. Explains recommendation for separate tourniquets for
training and operational use.
3. Explains need to follow standard precautions for the
care of nylon products.
4. Disassembles loop and unwinds windlass
5. Clean inner circumferential band in windlass clip area
6. Fully extend inner circumferential band
7. Insert tip of band into one side of the friction buckle
(slit closest to windlass clip)
8. While holding tourniquet by the windlass clip, pull tip of
band to bottom of loop
9. Mate Velcro of band below friction buckle
10. Fold tourniquet in half
11. Ensure windlass securing strap is velcroed to one side of the
windlass clip, not across the clip
12. Store with windlass clip down and towards body, flat nylon
and tab pointing down away from the body
13. Deploy by grabbing outer folded band section with tip of
band pointing down
Overall Grade
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
P / F
Did not clean and extend inner circumferential band
_____ Did not pass band through near slit of friction buckle
Did not store windlass securing strap to one side of windlass clip
2
3rd
P / F
Critical Criteria:
Evaluator’s Comments:
Completed
2nd
Notes:
1. This is the manufacturer’s recommended storage configuration. The key is that the user should
be very familiar with the storage configuration and location of his/her tourniquet so it can be
accessed and applied quickly and efficiently. Each officer should be certain that he/she can
deploy his/her tourniquet rapidly, with one hand, and with the tab pointing inward when placed
on a limb.
2. It is recommended that operational tourniquets not be used for training. Excessive use can
stretch and weaken the nylon and degrade the Velcro adhering strength. At the end of the
training day errors can also be made when re-configuring the tourniquet for storage which could
cause delays in operational application when seconds matter.
3. Nylon is degraded by extended exposure to sunlight and chemicals. Avoid storing your
tourniquet in an area exposed to direct sunlight or chemicals, i.e. front or rear dash of vehicle, in
trunk or compartment where oil or gas is stored.
4. Nothing further
5. Nothing further
6. Nothing further
7. Nothing further
8. Nothing further
9. Nothing further
10. Prior to the fold, while holding the tourniquet loop by the clip, one side of the loop should be
nylon and one side should be Velcro. When folding the tourniquet in half fold Velcro to Velcro.
After the fold the tourniquet should have the windlass and clip on one side and flat nylon with
the tab on the other side.
3