This is a good way to save a few bucks on an expensive military grade piece of gear.  These may have been Previously Issued but never used.  All medical items must have expiration dates and some of these will be technically expired.  CAT tourniquets do not have an expiration date; however, they should be checked from time to time to ensure they are still in working order. In extreme exposure to heat or cold for long periods of time can affect the ability of the CAT. 

The Combat Application Tourniquet C-A-T is a excellent and efficient tool used by first responders to save lives by stopping blood loss in severe injuries. Severe blood loss can be life threatening. The bleeding must be stopped quickly, or death may be imminent. The tourniquet is small, lightweight and occludes arterial blood flow in an extremity. The C-A-T uses a Self-Adhering Band and a Friction Adaptor Buckle to fit a wide range of extremities combined with a one-handed windlass system. The windlass uses a free moving internal band to provide true circumferential pressure to an extremity. The windlass is then locked in place; this requires only one hand, with the Windlass Clip. The C-A-T also has a Hook-and-Loop Windlass Strap for further securing of the windlass during patient transport.  Training is simple, the product is light weight (59 grams) and easy to spot in the supply bag. 

Features & Specs of the CAT Tourniquet   

• Lightweight
• Fits a wide range of extremities
• One-handed Windlass system
• Easily used, simple training
• NSN: 6515-01-521-7976
• Previously Issued condition