The SAM® Junctional Tourniquet is one of the FDA-approved junctional tourniquets. One advantage is that is designed to provide pelvic compression (with the circumferential belt) as well as direct pressure over either inguinal or axillary junctional wounds with the targeted compression devices (TCDs).

It is important that you have an understanding of basic junctional anatomy to ensure the TCDs are positioned appropriately to compress the large blood vessels and effectively control bleeding.

For inguinal junctional hemorrhage, the TCD(s) should be positioned over the femoral artery just below the inguinal ligament or just below the midpoint of the imaginary line between the anterior superior iliac spine and pubic tubercle, if femoral pulse is not palpable.

For effective hemorrhage control, an audible click should be heard when the belt and buckle are appropriately secured; all slack must be removed from the belt before TCD inflation.