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Mike S wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 12:19 pm

montgomery wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 11:40 am
TQs are for bleeding out of limb arteries ...

And the only one I trust is SOFTT-W Gen 4. The others are complete garbage, including the popular CAT (unless you are willing to carry 4 because the windlasses are made of plastic and break with alarming frequency)

I'll echo that the SOFFT-W is a great TQ, especially the newer Gen 4 that incorportes a clip similar to the CAT (this aids in one-handed self application).

However, the CAT is also a great TQ. I believe the issues with the plastic windlass breaking was with the original design, and should not be an issue with any made in the past decade. If you're experiencing windlass breakage, I'd send it back to NAR in a heartbeat. There's a distinct possibility that it's a knock-off Chinese counterfeit.

Current Special Forces medics (18Ds) (as well as the rest of the ODA members) are using both the CAT & the SOFFT-W in operations downrange, and if there were any issues with them they'd know. Both are still recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care, in addition to a handful of other TQs approved recently.

I carry both in my range aid bag, in both of our vehicles, & at home. In my humble opinion the CAT is still better for one-handed self application (although the addition of the clip on the Gen 4 SOFFT-W closes this gap significantly), and the SOFFT-W is much more resilient for leg application as there's no Velcro to come undone when dragging the casualty (the CATs strap occasionally isn't long enough to reach the clip to lock in when applied to really large diameter thighs).

I'm an Associate Trainer for TacMed Solutions (maker of the SOFTT-W), so if there was a reason to bash the CAT I might be inclined. However, integrity is more important to me, and evidence-based care practices rule the day.

Mike S wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 12:19 pm

montgomery wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 11:40 am
If you're experiencing windlass breakage, I'd send it back to NAR in a heartbeat.

If I experienced windlass breakage, I would be too dead in a heartbeat to send it back to NAR. A single breakage in the field is unacceptable, new design or not.

dlh wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2019 10:06 am So yesterday I was at my caleeche pit trying out my new Ruger PC Carbine (love it!). When I went back to the pickup to reload there was a bee hanging out at the passenger side window. Sure enough it tagged me on the right forearm! Not sure why bees and wasps are attracted to window glass...
Anyway, I thought ice, benadryl stick, and tylenol! None of which I had in the pickup of course neither did I have my first aid kit.
So, tomorrow I am buying one of those crushed ice packets you can buy at drugstores and adding it along with a benadryl stick and some tylenol to my first aid kit.
I do not have a tourniquet either nor do I know how to use one. A local E.M.T. told me he would be happy to show me how to use one and which one to buy so I think I will call him and set that up.
Just wanted to pass that along in case anybody gets stung by a bee or wasp at the range! And, no, I did not get off a shot at the fleeing bee. :)