Combatkit "NATO tourniquet"

[That Guy]

I fear this might be a stupid question, and if so, apologies. But there is a type of tourniquet available locally that I haven't seen discussed almost anywhere - a Combatkit product they call the "NATO tourniquet". (No idea why it's called that. From what I've been told it was some Norwegian unit that came up with the design.)

http://www.combatkit.net/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=productdetails&virtuemart_product_id=166&virtuemart_category_id=35

My interest for this thing stems from the fact that this is a) inexpensive, b) available locally, c) has a small size with no protrusions or Velcro or anything like that. Very easy to just slip into a jeans pocket, and due to cost much easier to buy several and stage into different kits / locations. However, if it is inadvisable to trust this product, well, kind of a moot point then isn't it?

I've tried one once upon a time, and it seemed pretty simple to cut off circulation to my leg. However, I really do not feel qualified to estimate quality of medical gear... I would love to hear thoughts on this product from folks with more experience and training in the field.

[nycnoob]

To save other people time, here is what I found on Google:


You can buy it in the USA here:

extremeoutfitters: nato tourniquet (http://www.extremeoutfitters.us/natotourniquet.aspx)

The only review on this site claims



NATO Tourniquet Tops!

HM1 Gutierrez (Unknown) 1/24/2008 11:38 PM

Used this tourniquet on "real world" casualties. Easy to use, well constructed, durable and
lightweight - did I mention it really, really works? Ok, it really, really works!!!!



The other link with some info in it was from:

http://www.grahamtradecraft.com/improvised-tourniquets/



But I don’t always carry one – I can’t always fit one in my pocket, and the profile of the CAT doesn’t always “mesh” with the profile I am presenting. Therefore I have a back-up: the NATO tourniquet. The NATO tourniquet is a smaller profile, easily concealable, lower profile choice. I always have a NATO tourniquet on me. Always. Regardless of clothing choice, environment, or circumstances. Always. In the absence of my CAT tourniquet, I will always choose to use the NATO tourniquet.




Oh and here are some comments from a forum

https://www.zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=112664





Murph wrote:
...it reminds me of the NATO tourniquet, which if you've ever had the pleasure of trying to use, is less than intuitive.

Makarov wrote:
Ha! I'd forgotten about these. They've been issued here in Norway, and I've handled them briefly. As I remember
they weren't all that bulky. Gonna talk to buddy tomorrow to see if I can fondle one again.

Murph wrote:
Stupid thing reminded me of a blacksmith tavern puzzle.



http://www.extremeoutfitters.us/ProductImages/misc/TOURNIQUET.jpg
http://www.kegworks.com/images/product-images/LYONSLOOP-MetalPuzzle-b2.jpg


Evaluation of Self-Applied Tourniquets for Combat Applications, Second Phase.
April 2007

http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/xmlui/handle/123456789/6870




Conclusions:

For upper extremity application times, the SOFT-T, NATO, and McMillan perform significantly worse than the majority of other tourniquets.

. . .

As for the Doppler data, . . .
The McMillan and NATO tourniquets perform worse than the majority of other tourniquets for upper extremity applications.

. . .

For lower extremity occlusion efficacy as measured by IPG, . . .
The McMillan, NATO, and OHT-2 performed significantly worse than some
of the other tourniquets tested.

. . .

The SOFT-T, FST, and NATO were rated worse than all other
tourniquets in the subjective ratings category.



In the OVERALL RANKINGS table P 32, the NATO got the lowest score





http://www.m4carbine.net/archive/index.php/t-27210.html



The problem with the NATO is that it came in last place in the testing done by the Navy Experimental Diving Unit. I posted the link to the PDF earlier in this discussion. This is probably one of the better reviews done so far. I was surprised how well the MAT did...

[Default.mp3]

FWIW, for a cheap, low profile TQ, Kerry Davis of Dark Angel Medical recommends trying the SWAT-T. It has a fair bit of surface area, but is relatively thin, and can fit in a back pocket without too much issue, IIRC.

[Gray222]

FWIW, for a cheap, low profile TQ, Kerry Davis of Dark Angel Medical recommends trying the SWAT-T. It has a fair bit of surface area, but is relatively thin, and can fit in a back pocket without too much issue, IIRC.

I've posted about it before and I used and carried the swat T for a while, on and off duty. Before they started issuing us SOF T Wide TQs. I had a lot of issues, primarily the swat T loosening up and requiring me to tape it in place.

[LOKNLOD]

That looks a kind of like a formalized version of the carabiner/key ring improvised tourniquet concept.

It sounds like NATO stands for Not A Tourniquet Option.

[Dropkick]

It sounds like NATO stands for Not A Tourniquet Option.
You win the internetz for the day! :D