I am in the US army and this product is so much better than a CAT tourniquet. I highly recommend this to anyone in the military.
The Mechanical Advantage Tourniquet (MAT) is designed to stop severe hemorrhage due to traumatic injuries from gunshot wounds, improvised explosive devices, edged weapons and other forms of trauma. In April 2007, the Navy Experimental Diving Unit conducted research titled, "Evaluations of Self-Applied Tourniquets for Combat Applications, Second Phase" in which they evaluated the efficacy of 13 tourniquets. This report is available for free online. Read it and come to your own conclusion regarding which tourniquet is best for your needs. The tourniquets were evaluated according to eight parameters which are detailed in the report. According to the report, "The tourniquets were divided into three categories according to their mechanisms of actions: windlass, ratchet, and stretch retention. Windlass types operate via a twisting action in which a bar is looped through the tourniquet material and twisted. Ratchet types function by a one-way locking device that pulls itself farther along a toothed track as the mechanism is actuated. Stretch-retention devices operate on the elastic properties of the device and are typically wrapped several times around the extremity." The MAT is a ratchet tourniquet. Additionally, the MAT is one of the faster tourniquets to apply to both the upper and lower extremity. According to the study subjective ratings on the MAT state, "Responses to the MAT were overwhelmingly positive: it received the highest ranking on the subjective scores. Users applauded such characteristics as its quickness of application, ease of use, and the sense of adequate tightness after tourniquet was secured."
According to Doppler Flow Measurements the MAT showed 92% no-flow in the upper extremity and came in 3rd out of the 13 tourniquets tested. For the lower extremity the MAT rated a 69.57% no-flow on the lower extremity and came in 3rd out of the 13 tourniquets tested. The goal is to get as close to 100% occlusion of arterial blood flow so that the patient does not hemorrhage to death. The MAT performs at a level that is satisfactory and works well. While the MAT is a solid tourniquet I still prefer using the Combat Application Tourniquet because it has repeatedly been proven effective in combat.
The C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet, C-A-T, is an excellent and highly recommended addition to your first aid kit. The C-A-T Tourniquet has been researched and proven to be effective. When faced with a catastrophic injury to an arm or leg from a traumatic event with significant arterial bleeding then this tourniquet is a reliable and necessary piece of gear that has saved many lives. This tourniquet is fast and easy to apply one handed (although not as fast at MAT), under stressful conditions, and is combat proven on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Time is of the essence when faced with a serious injury with significant bleeding requiring immediate and effective control of bleeding. This tourniquet can literally be the difference between life and death.
Based upon research from the United States Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) Battlefield Tourniquet Recommendations Issued July 28, 2004:
"The Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) was effective 100% of the time in quickly and effectively occluding arterial blood flow in both the upper and lower extremities in all trials...Pain scores (pinching and circumferential) were dramatically lower with the C-A-T than any other strap-style device evaluated."
Research after this 2004 study has come to the same conclusion. Hence, the Combat Application Tourniquet should be a part of any serious first aid kit or medic gear. Get this tourniquet and be prepared for the worst case scenario.
Overall, the Mechanical Advantage Tourniquet (MAT) is a solid tourniquet that I do not feel has been completely established as a first line tourniquet. I have consulted with friends in the military (Air Force Pararescue and Navy SEALs) who have used both tourniquets yet prefer the Combat Application Tourniquet. I concur with their conclusions and recommend the CAT over the MAT. In the future this conclusion may change. If you get the MAT I still believe you will have a quality tourniquet.
Buy Bio Cybernetics International Mat Mechanical Advantage Tourniquet Olive Drab - Model MAT01 - Each Now
I love this stuff! It really does the job on bug bites and itchy places. I use it when I get into something out doors that leaves me with a rash and usually within a few minutes the itching stops. It really helps healing since I'm not clawing myself. It is amazingly hard to find in stores so it is great I can find it at Amazon.
