title: Evaluation of Models of Pneumatic Tourniquet in Simulated Out-of-Hospital Use.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pneumatic field tourniquets have been recommended for Military medics to stop bleeding from limb wounds, but no comparison of commercially available pneumatic models of tourniquet has been reported. The purpose of this study is to provide laboratory data on the differential performance of models of pneumatic tourniquets to inform decision-making of potential field assessment by military users.
  
  
  METHODS
  Models included the Emergency and Military Tourniquet (EMT), Tactical Pneumatic Tourniquet 2-inch (TPT2), and Tactical Pneumatic Tourniquet 3-inch (TPT3). One user tested the three tourniquet models 30 times each on a manikin to collect data on effectiveness (yes-no bleeding control), pulse cessation, time to stop bleeding, total time of application, after time (after bleeding was stopped), pressure applied, blood loss volume, composite outcome (whether all individual outcomes were good or not), and pump count of the bulb used to inflate the tourniquet.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Neither tourniquet effectiveness nor pulse cessation (ρ = 1; likelihood ratio, 0 for both) differed among tourniquet models: all three models had 100% (30 of 30 tests) for both outcomes. The EMT had the best or tied for best performance in time to stop bleeding, total time, after time, pressure blood loss, composite outcome, and pump count.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Each of the three models of pneumatic field tourniquet was 100% effective in stopping simulated bleeding. Among the three models, the EMT showed the best or tied for best performance in time to stop bleeding, blood loss, and composite outcomes. All models are suitable for future field assessment among military users.
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Kragh
authors.forename: James K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Aden
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Dubick
mesh_terms: D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D004867:Equipment Design; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014111:Tourniquets / Q000592:standards*