Learn how to spot a fake tourniquet, why choosing dupes could be dangerous in critical situations, plus three reliable options to add to your trauma kit.

Using a fake tourniquet could have devastating consequences in emergency situations as substandard devices may fail to control severe bleeding and endanger lives. That’s why choosing a high-quality tourniquet is critical to saving lives in bleeding emergencies.

The only way to ensure the highest quality medical equipment is to purchase it from a reputable vendor. However, being able to spot a replica tourniquet also empowers first responders to handle emergencies safely and effectively.

Top Tips to Spot a Fake Tourniquet

Spotting a fake tourniquet is easy if you know which signs to look out for. Telltale signs of a fake windlass tourniquet (potentially imitations of the North American Rescue C-A-T® [Combat Application Tourniquet] or the SAM XT tourniquet) include:

• Flimsy windlass rod: The windlass rod on an authentic C-A-T tourniquet will be sturdy and feature deep ribbing that doesn’t bend or flex when used. Dupes often have flimsier rods that can snap or break off under pressure. Look for quality materials that won’t break when you need them. For example, the windlass rod on a SAM XT is made of aluminum.
• Flimsy windlass clip: The clip on a high-quality tourniquet is strong and rigid. Clips that feel flimsy to the touch or are bendable are unlikely to be able to hold the rod tightly in place during an emergency.
• More windlass turns required: A genuine C-A-T or SAM XT tourniquet should only need 2-3 windlass turns to reach full occlusion. Tourniquets that need significantly more turns than this to reach occlusion (if indeed they ever reach it) are likely fake.
• Glued seams: C-A-T and SAM XT tourniquets are crafted to create a robust and durable bond. For example, the C-A-T tourniquet is sonically welded to create the strongest bond. Fake tourniquets may feature thermally bonded or even glued seams that can come apart under pressure.
• Markings and logos: Look carefully at the packaging of your tourniquet. Poor-quality printing, misspellings, or inconsistent fonts are signs that your product is fake.
• Lack of special features: Counterfeit tourniquets will be made cheaply and without special attention to detail. Extra features that make the tourniquet more effective or user-friendly are encouraging signs that your product is genuine. For example, the SAM XT tourniquet is optimized for night vision.
• Hook-and-loop strap: A genuine tourniquet should feature technology that guarantees a firm grip under strain. Avoid tourniquets with hook-and-loop strapping that easily loses grip and can even come undone under pressure.
• Lower price: Fake C-A-T tourniquets are generally cheaper than those sold by trustworthy vendors.

Genuine Tourniquets Come in Different Forms

Be aware that genuine tourniquets come in various forms, from traditional windlass-style tourniquets like the C-A-T to simpler designs like the SWAT-T tourniquet. Each type offers unique advantages and caters to different user preferences, application scenarios, and specific medical needs. Understanding the different types of tourniquets available can help individuals and organizations make informed choices about the most suitable option for their particular requirements.

Windlass-style tourniquets are made from extremely durable and strong materials that won’t break, get damaged, come loose, or cause unnecessary damage to the skin or tissue. They use a small stick to tighten a band and achieve arterial occlusion. 

On the other hand, stretch-band tourniquets like the SWAT-T tourniquet use a different design to reach arterial occlusion. Its stretchy band only needs to be stretched, wrapped around the extremity (just above the wound), and tucked in the end to keep it tight.

Purchase a Genuine Tourniquet from a Reputable Vendor

The best way to guarantee your tourniquet is genuine is to purchase it from a reputable and expert trauma kit vendor like True Rescue that can advise you on different life-saving equipment and provide you with all the tools you need to offer the best assistance in critical situations. 

While dupes can be cost-effective ways to meet your needs in many areas of your life, tourniquets and other medical equipment aren’t areas consumers should cut costs on. Choose a reputable vendor with years of expertise that you trust to supply you with equipment that could save your, a family member’s, or a colleague’s life.

Why Is It So Important to Purchase a Genuine Tourniquet?

Purchasing a genuine tourniquet is so important because having the most robust and highly tested kit on hand is more likely to be effective in saving lives. A bleeding emergency can claim a life in as little as 3-5 minutes, but the average time for first responders to arrive is 7-10 minutes. This makes bystander action—and the medical device they use—critical to saving a life.

A 2023 study compared the C-A-T tourniquet to a counterfeit alternative (the LA-TQ) It was found that the LA-TQ exerted a considerably lower force on the extremity and had a higher rupture rate than the real C-A-T tourniquet. These findings underline the importance the medical equipment you use has on the possible outcomes of a bleeding emergency.

The Most Reputable Tourniquet Brands to Look For

Choosing a reputable tourniquet brand is a must when stocking up your bleeding control kit. The following three brands have years of experience in developing tourniquets for the most extreme battlefield and civilian bleeding emergencies. This makes them all a great choice.

Remember to check their features as well as the brand because these top three brands have key differences that may influence your decision.

North American Rescue C-A-T Tourniquet

The Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) by North American Rescue has become the gold standard for prehospital tourniquets for several compelling reasons:  

• Proven effectiveness:
  • The C-A-T has been extensively tested and proven highly effective in controlling severe bleeding in both military and civilian settings.  
  • The C-A-T has been rigorously tested and validated by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research, demonstrating its ability to effectively occlude blood flow in both upper and lower extremities.  
• Ease of use:
  • The C-A-T features a user-friendly design, including a single-routing buckle for faster application and a reinforced windlass for easier tightening.
• Durability and reliability:
  • The C-A-T is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and reliability in demanding conditions.  
  • The C-A-T is designed to withstand the rigors of combat and other challenging environments including poor weather conditions.
• Widely trusted and accepted:
  • The C-A-T is the official tourniquet of the U.S. Army and is widely trusted and used by military personnel, law enforcement, emergency medical responders, and civilians worldwide. 
  • It is recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC), a leading authority on prehospital trauma care.  

SAM XT Tourniquet

The SAM XT Extremity Tourniquet from SAM Medical stands out for several key reasons:

• TruForce™ Auto-Lock Buckle: This innovative feature is a game-changer. It eliminates the guesswork and inconsistency often associated with traditional tourniquet application. The buckle automatically locks at the optimal tension, ensuring consistent and effective blood flow restriction. This reduces the learning curve and improves the chances of successful application, even in high-stress situations.  
• Ease of use: The SAM XT is designed for rapid application, even under pressure. Its intuitive design and auto-lock mechanism make it easier to use effectively, even for individuals with limited training.  
• Durability and reliability: Constructed from high-quality materials, the SAM XT is built to withstand rigorous use and maintain its effectiveness in demanding conditions.  
• Proven performance: The SAM XT has undergone rigorous testing and has demonstrated excellent performance in pre-hospital and military settings.  

SWAT-T Tourniquet

The SWAT-T Tourniquet from Chinook Medical Gear offers a significantly different design from the C-A-T and SWAT-T tourniquets. The SWAT-T is a stretchy band that first responders stretch, wrap, and tuck to secure in place. Some users will find this design easier to use than windlass-style tourniquets. Its shape and structure also allow for higher application on the groin and axilla. 

The SWAT-T tourniquet therefore offers a unique set of advantages:

• Multi-Purpose Design: The SWAT-T is more than just a tourniquet. It’s a versatile medical device that can also function as:
  • Pressure Dressing: For controlling less severe bleeding.
  • Elastic Wrap: For immobilizing injuries, supporting sprains/strains, or creating a makeshift sling.  
  • Compression Bandage: To help control internal bleeding.
• No medical training required: The “Stretch, Wrap, and Tuck” design is intuitive and can be quickly applied, even under stressful conditions and by bystanders with no medical knowledge or training.  
• Compact and lightweight: The SWAT-T is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in first aid kits, backpacks, or even in your pocket.  
• Cost-effective: The SWAT-T offers excellent value for its versatility and effectiveness and comes in at a fraction of the price.

Be Prepared to Save Lives with a Genuine Tourniquet

Having a genuine tourniquet on hand is a crucial step in staunching severe blood loss from an extremity. Always make sure you have the real deal to protect yourself, your family, or people around you in the most extreme situations.

Purchasing a bleeding control kit from a trustworthy vendor featuring proven equipment like the C-A-T, SWAT-T, or SAM XT tourniquet is a great way to ensure you’re well-equipped to save a life in a number of life-threatening situations. Pair this with some basic training to ensure you’re ready to act quickly and effectively.