10 Best Tourniquets 2025 in the United States

The North American Rescue C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet (Gen 7) is highly regarded for its effectiveness, earning a recommendation from the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research and the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care. It is designed for true one-handed application, making it a valuable tool in emergencies where quick, efficient action is essential. The tourniquet features a single routing buckle that simplifies application and training, ensuring that users can apply it rapidly and correctly with minimal instruction.

Its reinforced windlass, stabilization plate, and aggressive ribbing provide enhanced strength and grip, crucial for maintaining pressure and controlling bleeding in life-threatening situations. Additionally, components like the NAR’s Red Tip Technology enhance visibility during application, which is particularly useful in high-stress environments. The tourniquet’s durability is also notable, as it is built to perform in all weather conditions and is made from strong nylon material.

However, its relatively small size and lightweight build (2.7 ounces) could be perceived as less robust compared to heavier options. For those who may be unfamiliar with the specific application technique required, initial practice may be necessary despite its simplified design. This tourniquet is best suited for military personnel, first responders, and those in high-risk environments due to its proven reliability and efficacy in critical situations. Its accolades and endorsements from reputable military and medical organizations further reinforce its status as a top-tier emergency medical tool.

The SAM SJT102 Junctional Tourniquet is designed to offer reliable and efficient pressure control with its patented SAM AUTOSTOP buckle, which helps prevent over- or under-tightening. This feature ensures that it can be applied correctly, which is crucial in emergency situations. Its design caters to a wide range of users, fitting 95% of the adult population, which makes it highly versatile.

The tourniquet is built to withstand extreme conditions, including exposure to high temperatures and sharp objects, while maintaining comfort for prolonged wear. This durability is enhanced by its mostly radiolucent materials, allowing for X-rays and CT-scans without needing to remove the tourniquet, except for the buckle's two stainless steel springs, which add robustness but slightly compromise radiolucency.

However, its compact nature and a single-piece design make it a practical choice for outdoor use or in emergency kits. One potential drawback could be its size, as it might be bulky for personal carry, considering its package dimensions and weight. Despite this, the SAM SJT102's combination of ease of application, size adjustability, and durable materials make it a strong contender in the tourniquet category, especially for outdoor enthusiasts or emergency responders looking for a reliable and versatile option.

The North American Rescue C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet Trainer is a well-designed training tool modeled after the genuine Gen 7 tourniquet used by the U.S. Army. Its distinct blue color clearly marks it as a non-live device, making it ideal for hands-on practice without confusion. This trainer replicates the real tourniquet's compact size and lightweight build, making it easy to carry and manipulate during training sessions.

The single routing buckle and reinforced windlass rod help users learn fast, effective application with fewer steps, which is crucial in emergency situations. Its durable materials and reinforced parts offer a realistic feel and resilience to repeated use. The patented free-moving internal band and red elliptical tip further assist in understanding proper pressure application and placement.

As a training device, it does not control pressure like a live tourniquet would, so users won’t get feedback on actual occlusion force. It also lacks live certification since it’s not meant for medical use. For those seeking to practice techniques safely and confidently, this trainer provides excellent hands-on experience that closely mimics the real thing, but it should always be paired with knowledge that it’s not for actual emergencies.