Page 15 - JSOM Summer 2020

2004;4(4):51–53 2005;5(4):43–52
Expedient Medic: Tourniquets: Lifesavers on the Battlefield CE/CME: Issues Related to the Use of Tourniquets on the Bat-
Parsons D, Walters T tlefield Walters T, Mabry R
This article was developed by the Combat Medic Training ABSTRACT On the battlefield, a properly applied tourni-
Directorate and dispels myths about the use of tourniquets, quet can be an effective means of controlling severe extremity
discusses the proper use to stop bleeding, provides training wound hemorrhage. However, a great deal of confusion ex-
tips, and recommends specific types. Published in the JSOM ists among Soldiers, medics, and military medical officers on
for widest dissemination per the request of USASOC-SG. A a number of tourniquet-related issues. What is an appropriate
must read for deploying personnel. https://www.us.army.mil combat tourniquet? When is it appropriate to use a tourni-
/suite/doc/1252097. quet? When and by whom should a tourniquet be removed?
Under what conditions a tourniquet should not be released or
2005;5(2):1–2 removed? What are the most effective ways to increase limb
salvage while using a tourniquet? A panel of experts met on
CAPT Frank Butler, USSOCOM Surgeon in his From the these and additional issues at the 2003 Advanced Technology
Surgeon
Applications for Combat Casualty Care Conference on Au-
EXCERPT Predeployment TCCC Training in SOF – A last gust 21 and 23, 2005, at St. Petersburg Beach, FL. This article
item to mention is the USSOCOM message (date/time group reviews those issues and presents a summary of the panel’s
222016Z March 05) on the topic of Tactical Combat Casu- recommendations.
alty Care (TCCC) training and equipment. The TCCC Tran-
sition Initiative has been providing deploying SOF units who Objectives:
request it with TCCC training and newly recommended com- 1. Describe what circumstances dictate the use of a tourniquet.
bat trauma equipment for the last six months. There has been 2. Explain the characteristics of an effective tourniquet.
recent congressional and DoD-level interest in this topic that 3. List the steps for removing a tourniquet.
has made it evident that we need to ensure that everyone de-
ploying in support of combat operations has this training and Between 2005 and 2015, tourniquets were discussed in the
equipment prior to departure. Current CENTCOM guidance following JSOM articles:
already calls for every combatant to have a Combat Applica-
tion Tourniquet (CATS ) and a hemostatic dressing in the 2006;6(2):45–49
™
™
Central Command area of operations. Implied in their require- After Action Report Detro JF
ment is the need for everyone to also be trained in the appro-
priate indications for and use of these devices. 2007;7(3):78–84
Causes of Death in US Special Operations Forces in the Global
2005;5(2):5–6
War on Terrorism 2001–2004 Holcomb JB, McMullin NR,
COL Rocky Farr in his USASOC Component Surgeon Pearse L, et al.
Previously published Ann Surg 2007;24(5):986–991
EXCERPT Another training opportunity is the Tactical Com-
bat Casualty Care Committee’s (TCCC) “just-in-time train-
ing” for deploying units. There is a message from USSOCOM 2008;8(1):26–32
that states that the TCCC concepts will be used in this com- FWIA#1 of AAR3, Better Living Through Lessons Learned
mand and those units without an “internal program” may Casualty Treatment and Evacuation Vignettes from Operation
want to use this Institute of Surgical Research (ISR) based team Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)
to complete these requirements. Feel free to discuss this with Gilpatrick SM, Kane S
my training office. The Army and CENTCOM are starting
to mandate the carrying of tourniquets in theater; we do live 2008;8(1):104–110
in interesting times. The TCCC training brings new medical
items with them. One comment concerning live tissue train- Tactical Combat Casualty Care in the Assault on Punta Paitilla
ing (which is going well): The USASOC Commanding General Airfield Mucciarone JJ, Llewellyn CH, Wightman JM
has issued a policy letter quite some time ago that requires all Previously published Mil Med 2006;171(8):687–690
such training be approved through USASOC at some level (see
USASOC and/or USAS-FC 350-1 also). That includes going to 2008;8(2):27-38
another command’s LTT, another service’s LTT, and civilian Better Training Through Lessons Learned: Casualty Treat-
courses with LTT also. ment and Evacuation Vignettes from Operation Iraqi Freedom
(OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Gilpatrick
2005;5(2):7 SM, Kane S
CAPT Edward Woods in his NAVSPECWARCOM Compo-
nent Surgeon discusses Tourniquets and Technology. 2008;8(3):47–53
Thoughts on Aid Bags Part 1 Hetzler MR, Ball JA
2005;5(2):10
2008;8(3):120–129 and 2009;9(1):56–64
MAJ Chris Coley, LT Shawn Wood in Medical Plans, Opera-
tion & Logistics discuss Control of Tourniquet Distribution. Tourniquets for the Control of Traumatic Hemorrhage: A Re-
view of the Literature Richey SL
Previously published World J Emerg Surg 2007;2:28–37

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