C.A.T Tourniquet Gen7
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The Combat Application Tourniquet (C.A.T®) Gen 7, manufactured by North American Rescue, is the world's most widely issued limb tourniquet — approved by the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research and carried as standard by military, law enforcement, and emergency medical services globally.
The Gen 7 builds on the proven C.A.T® design with a single routing buckle that removes slack faster, reduces the number of windlass turns required, and simplifies application to a single consistent protocol — making it easier to train on and faster to deploy under stress. The windlass is secured with a Windlass Clip and reinforced with a Hook-and-Loop Strap for pressure retention during movement and evacuation.
TacMed Australia stocks only genuine C.A.T® Gen 7 tourniquets from authorised Australian distributors. Counterfeit copies are widely available online — they replicate the appearance of the genuine article but fail under the mechanical stress of actual application. Every C.A.T® on this page is TGA-compliant and the real product.
C.A.T® Gen 7 vs SOF-T Wide — Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | C.A.T® Gen 7 | SOF-T Wide |
|---|---|---|
| Windlass | Polymer | Aluminium (metal) |
| Band | Standard width | Wider compression |
| Buckle | Polymer single routing | Metal tri-ring |
| Weight | Lighter carry weight | Heavier, more durable |
| Best for | Lightweight carry, fast application | High-mass limbs, repeated training |
| Used by | Military, first responders, civilians | Military, EMS, tactical units |
Both are proven arterial tourniquets when used correctly. The C.A.T® Gen 7 is the standard starting point — it is the most widely trained-on device globally and the baseline recommendation for anyone building a first trauma kit. The SOF-T Wide is preferred for larger patients and high-mass limbs, or where maximum mechanical durability is required.
Note: The blue colour variant is used for training only. For operational use, keep a duty tourniquet (black or tan) in your kit and reserve the blue for repetition practice.
- Approved performance: Tested and approved by the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research — the global benchmark for tourniquet certification.
- One-handed application: Designed for rapid self-application or buddy-aid when seconds matter.
- Single routing buckle: Gen 7's updated buckle removes slack faster and reduces windlass turns compared to earlier generations.
- Windlass retention system: Windlass Clip and Hook-and-Loop Strap maintain occlusion pressure during casualty movement and evacuation.
- Compact and lightweight: Low-profile design fits standard IFAK pouches and gear setups without bulk.
- Genuine North American Rescue product: TGA-compliant. Sourced through authorised Australian distributors. Not a replica.
- Globally issued: Standard-issue tourniquet across military, law enforcement, and emergency medical services in Australia and internationally.
What is the C.A.T® Tourniquet Gen 7 used for?
The C.A.T® (Combat Application Tourniquet) Gen 7 is designed to stop life-threatening bleeding from an arm or leg by occluding arterial blood flow. It is built for rapid application in emergencies where severe limb bleeding is present and cannot be controlled by direct pressure alone.
What makes the C.A.T® Gen 7 different from older versions?
The Gen 7 introduces a single routing buckle that removes slack faster and reduces the number of windlass turns required compared to the Gen 6. This simplifies application to a single consistent protocol, reducing training complexity and improving speed under stress.
Can the C.A.T® tourniquet be applied one-handed?
Yes. The C.A.T® Gen 7 is designed for one-handed self-application, which makes it suitable for both self-aid and buddy-aid when seconds matter.
How does the C.A.T® tourniquet work?
The C.A.T® uses a self-adhering band and windlass system to apply circumferential pressure around the limb. Once tightened until bleeding stops, the windlass is secured in the Windlass Clip and reinforced with the retention strap to maintain pressure during movement.
Are the C.A.T® tourniquets sold by TacMed genuine?
Yes. TacMed Australia stocks only genuine C.A.T® Gen 7 tourniquets manufactured by North American Rescue, sourced through authorised Australian distributors. Counterfeit copies are widely available online at lower prices — these replicate the appearance of the genuine article but frequently fail under the mechanical stress of real application. Every C.A.T® tourniquet sold by TacMed is TGA-compliant and the authentic product.
Is the C.A.T® tourniquet reusable?
No. In real-world emergencies, tourniquets are intended for single use. For regular practice, use a dedicated training tourniquet variant and keep your duty tourniquet sealed and ready.
Where should I place a tourniquet?
Tourniquets are applied high and tight on the affected limb, above the bleeding site, avoiding joints where possible. Follow your training and local protocols, and seek urgent medical care immediately after application.
How tight should a tourniquet be?
Tight enough to stop bleeding. If bleeding continues after initial application, continue tightening. An under-tightened tourniquet will not control arterial bleeding — this is the most common application error.
How long can a tourniquet stay on?
A tourniquet should remain in place until advanced medical care is available. Record the time of application and treat it as a medical emergency. Do not remove it unless directed by qualified medical personnel.
What is the difference between the C.A.T® and the SOF-T Wide tourniquet?
Both are proven arterial tourniquets. The C.A.T® Gen 7 is lighter, uses a polymer windlass, and is the most widely issued tourniquet globally — making it the standard starting point for most users. The SOF-T Wide uses a metal windlass and buckle system, generating higher occlusion pressure on high-mass limbs. Choice comes down to training, body type, and operational requirements.
Is the blue C.A.T® tourniquet a real tourniquet?
The blue variant is intended for training — it allows repeated application practice without wearing out a duty tourniquet. For operational use, carry a black or tan C.A.T® Gen 7 and keep it sealed until needed.
Does the C.A.T® tourniquet fit in an IFAK?
Yes. The C.A.T® Gen 7 is compact and lightweight, designed to fit standard IFAK pouches and duty belt carriers. If you need a dedicated carry solution, see our tourniquet pouches and holders.
📦 Shipping Overview
- Flat rate: $12.95 Australia-wide
- Free shipping: Orders over $250
- Dispatch time: 1–2 business days (Mon–Fri)
🚚 Delivery Estimates
- Metro areas: 3–7 business days
- WA & NT: Up to 10 business days
- During peak or promo periods: Please allow additional time
📍 Delivery Instructions
Please provide a delivery address where someone is available during business hours. PO Boxes are accepted. If unattended, your order may be left in a secure location or taken to the nearest post office or depot.
