What is the difference between the colors of the CAT
The Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T) from North American Rescue is one of the most trusted and widely used tourniquets in emergency medical situations. It comes in various colors, primarily black and orange, with each color serving a specific purpose in different contexts.
1. Black C-A-T Tourniquet
The black version is typically used by military personnel, law enforcement, and tactical teams. It is designed for combat and tactical environments where concealment is critical. The dark color helps it blend into uniforms and gear, reducing visibility in low-light conditions, which is beneficial in combat zones and other high-risk scenarios. It is the most common choice for standard field operations due to its unobtrusive appearance.
2. Orange C-A-T Tourniquet
In contrast, the orange tourniquet is designed for high-visibility scenarios, making it ideal for civilian use, emergency medical services (EMS), and public safety teams. The bright color ensures that the tourniquet can be easily seen, even in chaotic or low-visibility situations like disaster response or accidents. The visibility helps first responders and medical personnel quickly identify and locate the tourniquet during assessments and interventions.
Why the Color Differences Matter
The choice between black and orange is often based on the intended operational environment. Tactical users prefer black to maintain a low profile, while high-visibility colors like orange are favored in civilian and emergency medical contexts where quick identification can be crucial for effective treatment.
Both versions share the same specifications and effectiveness. They are built with a durable windlass system, reinforced stabilization plate, and a red elliptical tip (Red Tip Technology) that aids in rapid application. However, the color distinction helps align the tool’s use with specific operational needs and environment
For more detailed specifications and usage guides, you can visit the CPR-Savers website or explore other first-responder resources.