Although the current TCCC Guidelines indicate that you should use a CoTCCC-recommended junctional tourniquet, the CoTCCC-Recommended Devices & Adjuncts booklet states that “No specific products are recommended by the CoTCCC. End users may select any FDA approved device that is indicated for junctional hemorrhage control that will meet this requirement.” The three commercial devices we’ll highlight in this module meet those criteria, but there are others available. It is important to familiarize yourself with the devices that you are most likely to come across when deployed, as you will be the subject matter expert responsible for their application and training Combat Medics/Corpsmen or others in their use.

The desired traits for a junctional hemorrhage have been defined in several prior articles and military research documents, and include efficacy, safety, adaptability to the tactical environment, lightweight, low-cost, low-profile, easy to use, and quickly applied, to mention a few. Although each FDA-approved device has different advantages and disadvantages, most of them meet many of these criteria.

The wound should be packed with a hemostatic dressing with direct pressure while the tourniquet is readied for use, or with gauze if a hemostatic dressing is not available. But do not delay in the application of a junctional tourniquet once it is ready for use.

- Junctional tourniquets are designed to stop bleeding at the junctional areas.
- If the bleeding site is amenable, a junctional tourniquet should be applied immediately.
- Do not delay in applying a junctional tourniquet once it is ready for use.
- The wound should be packed with a hemostatic dressing with direct pressure while the tourniquet is readied for use.