Closing the Gap in Combat Medical Training

Tourniquets are one of the most critical life-saving tools in combat medicine, used to stop severe bleeding and prevent death from hemorrhage. However, while soldiers are trained to apply tourniquets quickly in emergencies, many are not taught how to safely transition from a tourniquet to other bleeding control methods when possible.

Tourniquet conversion is the process of loosening or removing a tourniquet when bleeding can be controlled by wound packing, pressure dressings, or other methods. A tourniquet is meant to be a temporary measure. While it is effective at stopping massive bleeding, leaving a tourniquet on for too long can lead to serious complications such as nerve damage, muscle death, and, ultimately, limb amputation. Military medics are trained in tourniquet conversion, however, most soldiers are not. Without this valuable skill, soldiers in extended field care situations risk losing limbs when evacuations take too long.

This is a trend we’re seeing in the Ukraine conflict where many preventable amputations are occurring simply because soldiers lack training in tourniquet conversion. Ukrainian medical teams are now actively prioritizing education on this skill, ensuring that more troops, beyond just medics, know how to assess and safely operate tourniquet conversion. However, many other military forces, including NATO countries, are limiting tourniquet conversion training to medics, leaving most frontline soldiers without the necessary knowledge to make critical decisions in extended field care situations. 

The US Army is now working to integrate tourniquet conversion into every soldier’s training, driven by what they are seeing in Ukraine. With the right training aids, more soldiers can learn to perform conversions correctly, reducing unnecessary amputations and long-term damage. The military has recognized this need, and the next step is ensuring that troops have the proper tools to train effectively and apply tourniquet conversion in the field.

Recognizing the urgent need for better tourniquet conversion training, RD Medical Training has developed an advanced training aid that realistically simulates severe bleeding injuries and tourniquet application. Unlike traditional manikins or training on fellow soldiers, our device provides real-time visual feedback, making sure trainees immediately see when a tourniquet or wound packing technique is successful.

The model goes beyond basic tourniquet application. It teaches tourniquet conversion by allowing soldiers to convert from a tourniquet to wound packing, simulating real battlefield conditions. With interchangeable wound profiles, adjustable bleeding levels, and realistic vascular reactions, trainees must assess each situation carefully, deciding whether a tourniquet is necessary or if conversion to pressure dressings or wound packing is possible. This hands-on, adaptable training ensures that soldiers develop the skills needed to prevent unnecessary amputations in prolonged field care situations.

By integrating this cutting-edge technology into TCCC, Combat Life Saver, and refresher courses, RD Medical Training is helping to close one of the biggest gaps in military casualty care. The end goal is to equip every soldier with the skills to not just stop the bleeding, but to make the right decisions to save both life and limb.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38242075/