SOF® Tourniquet

1.5-inch reinforced strap — Low-stretch polyester pressure strap designed for the control of life-threatening limb bleeding.
Aluminium windlass — A textured, aircraft-grade aluminium rod provides grip when tightening the tourniquet.
Indicator wedge — The wedge beneath the windlass provides a visual indication that slack has been removed from the strap.
Tri-Ring Lock™ and TRAC™ clip — Help secure the windlass after tightening.
Detachable friction-lock buckle — Can be opened and reconnected to place the tourniquet around a limb when it cannot easily be passed over a hand or foot.
One-handed application — Designed for both one-handed self-application and two-handed use.
Compact carry — Designed to be folded and staged for storage in a compatible pouch, IFAK or trauma kit.
Training — Use a dedicated training tourniquet for regular practice. Keep your operational tourniquet separate, protected and ready for use.

Is the SOF® Tourniquet available for use in Australia?

Yes. TacMed Australia supplies the SOF® Tourniquet to customers across Australia. If purchasing for a workplace or organisation, follow your organisation’s equipment, clinical governance and training requirements.

Is the SOF-T Wide the same as the SOF® Tourniquet?

SOF-T, SOF-T Wide, SOFTT-W and SOF® Tourniquet are names you may see used when referring to the SOF tourniquet range. Features and hardware can vary between generations.

Check the product images, specifications and instructions supplied with your tourniquet to identify the model you have. If you need a specific generation for your organisation, contact us before ordering.

What’s the difference between the SOF® Tourniquet and the C.A.T® Gen 7?

Both are windlass tourniquets designed to control life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg. Their main differences are in the strap, buckle and windlass-retention systems.

The SOF® Tourniquet uses a reinforced, low-stretch strap, detachable friction-lock buckle and Tri-Ring Lock™. The C.A.T® Gen 7 uses a self-adhering strap, single-routing buckle and windlass clip with a securing strap.

Both manufacturers list a 1.5-inch strap width. Your choice may depend on your training, organisational requirements and carry setup.

Can the SOF® Tourniquet be applied one-handed?

Yes. The SOF® Tourniquet is designed for one-handed and two-handed application, including self-application. Practise with a dedicated training tourniquet and become familiar with the specific model you carry.

Where should a tourniquet be placed?

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your training. For civilian first aid, ANZCOR advises applying the tourniquet above the bleeding point according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or 5 cm above the bleeding point if instructions are unavailable. Ideally, avoid placing it over a wound or joint.

Tourniquet placement in tactical or other professional settings may differ according to the situation and applicable clinical protocol. Seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

How tight should a tourniquet be?

The tourniquet should be tightened until the bleeding stops, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper application can be painful.

If bleeding continues, check its position and application. ANZCOR advises applying a second tourniquet, if available, preferably above the first, if bleeding continues.

How long can a tourniquet stay on?

There is no guaranteed safe time limit that applies to every situation. A tourniquet is a temporary measure for life-threatening bleeding and the person needs urgent medical care.

Call 000, note the time of application and tell emergency personnel. Once applied, the tourniquet should not be removed until the person receives specialist care.

Do I need training to use a tourniquet?

Hands-on training is strongly recommended. Training helps you practise placement, removing slack, tightening and securing the windlass, and recognising whether bleeding has stopped.

Practise with a dedicated training tourniquet and follow your organisation’s requirements where applicable.

Is the SOF® Tourniquet suitable for an IFAK or vehicle kit?

Yes. Its compact design makes it suitable for consideration in an IFAK, vehicle trauma kit or responder bag. Check that your chosen pouch or holder fits the SOF® Tourniquet and allows you to access it quickly.

Can a tourniquet be used on a child?

ANZCOR’s bleeding guideline applies to adults, children and infants. For life-threatening limb bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct pressure, it suggests using an arterial tourniquet if one is available and the first aider is trained in its use.

Whether a particular tourniquet can be applied effectively depends on its fit and the size of the limb. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

These items are commonly used alongside a tourniquet in advanced bleeding control setups:

• Olaes Modular Trauma Dressing
• QuikClot Combat Gauze
• Israeli Bandage
• Wound Dressings & Bandages
• Bleeding Control Kits