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Posted: 5/22/2023 8:35:49 PM EDT
[#1]
If I had to pick one TQ, it would be the SAM-XT. It’s what we currently use on my TEMS team.
The CAT is good too, but the locking tabs on the SAM make it superior. Haven’t used the SOF-T much. |
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Posted: 5/22/2023 8:54:18 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I had to pick one TQ, it would be the SAM-XT. It’s what we currently use on my TEMS team. The CAT is good too, but the locking tabs on the SAM make it superior. Haven’t used the SOF-T much. I have not heard of the SAM-XT. I will look that one up. What were your thoughts on the SOF-T when using it? I know you said you’ve had little time using one. |
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Posted: 5/22/2023 9:09:42 PM EDT
[#3]
CATs on all my gear. Sof-t wide for edc.
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Posted: 5/22/2023 9:32:12 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: CATs on all my gear. Sof-t wide for edc. Thanks. This is also my thinking. I was thinking of the CAT on my gear and SOF T for edc. Can the SOF T fit in a pants pocket? Not cargo pants but jeans. |
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Posted: 5/22/2023 10:02:29 PM EDT
[#5]
No love for the SWAT?
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Posted: 5/22/2023 10:10:54 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No love for the SWAT? I will be getting a couple of those to use as pressure bandages. Combine that with some gauze. |
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Posted: 5/22/2023 10:40:23 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No love for the SWAT? After a refresher on TCCC during my FI recert, I've decided to update the SOF-T Wide that I currently carry to a latest gen SOF-T and add a Gen 7 CAT. The CAT is easier to use one handed on your own arm, but the SOF-T is supposedly the gold standard on legs. The SAM is cool and all, but really bulky. I'm going to make a small IFAK for my EDC sling bag for off-duty carry as well. |
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Posted: 5/22/2023 11:03:08 PM EDT
[#8]
I have and drill with both. I like the SOF-T better. Easier to deploy, less bulky, and the metal hardware is more reassuring. The quick latch is a really nice feature as well.
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Posted: 5/22/2023 11:12:42 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No love for the SWAT? I have a couple for peds use. Otherwise, I'm a CAT guy. I think, between that and the SOF-T, it's a "pick one" type of situation. Really comes down to preference, and I just have more time on the CAT. |
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Posted: 5/22/2023 11:57:41 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks. This is also my thinking. I was thinking of the CAT on my gear and SOF T for edc. Can the SOF T fit in a pants pocket? Not cargo pants but jeans. Yes. I carry one from my bag in a back pocket when I'm out at a field site (this is rare nowadays, but i used to do it a lot) |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 12:13:14 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have not heard of the SAM-XT. I will look that one up. What were your thoughts on the SOF-T when using it? I know you said you’ve had little time using one. Like I said, very limited exposure, but it seemed ok. The CAT is what we used before the SAM XT came along. As long as you are using a quality (not Amazon!) TCCC approved TQ that you train with you should be good to go. |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 12:20:18 AM EDT
[#12]
My EDC contains a SOFTT-W because they flat-fold. Most other tourniquets have some kind of plastic protrusion that makes them harder to carry in a discreet manner.
The TQs on my gear are either SAM-XTs or CATs. I tend to relegate CATs to aid bags. Like said, I like the locking tabs on SAM-XTs, they solve the one real defect that CATs have. |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 12:21:06 AM EDT
[#13]
CAT. Everyone knows how to use it. That's important in an emergency.
The RSO at my range stocked a kit with RATS. I ridiculed him mildly and pointed out that I couldn't figure how to use it, so I'd just wrap it tight and improvise a windlass. He told me how utterly simple it it, and how easy it is to self apply, then spent 10 minutes trying to figure out how to stage it and apply it. I showed him my stopwatch and pointed out that he would've been dead for 7 minutes. Commonality of gear and training is important. |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 1:38:22 AM EDT
[#14]
Thanks everyone. I hadn’t had much exposure to the SOF T. I saw it in a video and began looking at them. I think I’ll pick up a couple of them and a couple of CATs.
I won’t be buying Amazon replicas. I always stick with names and brands I know. A few years ago I saw the RATs and it fit my pocket and I was able to get few of them and stash them in our cars and around the house. I actually find them simple and easy to stage and wrap. I’ve been able to cut blood flow from my arm and leg. I know they are not the best but it’s what I’ve had to work with. This is also one of the reasons I’m building out a few new kits and going with CATs and SOF Ts. I see more people with them when I’m out and about and I feel like more people will be able to help me or a loved one should I not be able to help. My post as of late have been very helpful and eye opening on this side ARFcom. I really appreciate each of you for taking the time and answering. |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 1:45:53 AM EDT
[#15]
I have SOFT and SOFT-wide. Easier to use, metal windlass won't bend or break. The new revision is better for quick donning.
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Posted: 5/23/2023 2:59:28 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks. This is also my thinking. I was thinking of the CAT on my gear and SOF T for edc. Can the SOF T fit in a pants pocket? Not cargo pants but jeans. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: CATs on all my gear. Sof-t wide for edc. Thanks. This is also my thinking. I was thinking of the CAT on my gear and SOF T for edc. Can the SOF T fit in a pants pocket? Not cargo pants but jeans. https://www.snakestaffsystems.com/buy-now/etq-every-day-tourniquet |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 8:57:58 AM EDT
[#17]
I’m started on CATs, so I’m biased. I’ve had very little exposure to SOFTT, but it has great reviews. My preference for the CAT over the SOFFT is because you just have to force the windlass into the locking bracket. I feel that have to “thread the needle” of the SOFFT windlass into the lock ring would be more difficult. But many people speak highly of it. The SAM tourniquet looks really bulky for carry. We were issued the MET tourniquet at work and it sucks. Too hard to lock the windlass in. I’ve seen too many bad videos of the ETQ tourniquet so I’ve stopped looking into buying one. The plastic backing tab seems to twist/bend too much.
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Posted: 5/23/2023 11:17:29 AM EDT
[#18]
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Posted: 5/23/2023 3:02:18 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: CATs on all my gear. Sof-t wide for edc. Thanks. This is also my thinking. I was thinking of the CAT on my gear and SOF T for edc. Can the SOF T fit in a pants pocket? Not cargo pants but jeans. https://www.snakestaffsystems.com/buy-now/etq-every-day-tourniquet I forgot about this one. I actually follow them on Instagram. I just watched a video about it that SkinnyMedic did. It’s interesting to me. Thanks for reminding me of this option. |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 3:05:54 PM EDT
[#20]
Thanks everyone. I think I’m going to order a mix of tourniquets. Right now CAT and SOF T and then a mix of others that have been recommended to me.
I’m building out my IFAK for my new chest rig and I’ll have both a CAT and a SOF T on this rig. Does anyone know if they will fit into a pistol magazine pouch? I have a spare pouch on my rig and would like to use it for a TQ. |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 3:13:20 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks everyone. I think I’m going to order a mix of tourniquets. Right now CAT and SOF T and then a mix of others that have been recommended to me. I’m building out my IFAK for my new chest rig and I’ll have both a CAT and a SOF T on this rig. Does anyone know if they will fit into a pistol magazine pouch? I have a spare pouch on my rig and would like to use it for a TQ. Both are too big for a pistol mag pouch. If you're looking for a recommendation, the Tactical Tailor pouches are my favorite, it'll fit both styles. Do not get the NAR style one for the CAT, it'll only fit the CAT, and it just sucks. |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 3:27:21 PM EDT
[#22]
I carry CATs on my gear (holster, trauma kits, carriers etc) and keep SOF-Ts in my bags. For me, the CAT's are just more intuitive to self apply, but the SOF-T is a great TQ if you're applying to someone else.
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Posted: 5/23/2023 5:51:06 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks everyone. I think I’m going to order a mix of tourniquets. Right now CAT and SOF T and then a mix of others that have been recommended to me. I’m building out my IFAK for my new chest rig and I’ll have both a CAT and a SOF T on this rig. Does anyone know if they will fit into a pistol magazine pouch? I have a spare pouch on my rig and would like to use it for a TQ. The ETQ I linked to, is about the most compact tourniquet I've found, and fits in Glock mag pouches. I happen to be a fan of Pitbull Tactical's UMC Universal Mag Carrier, and they fit nicely into those (which were specifically designed to accommodate anything from singlestack 9mm, to doublestack 45). I just needed to remove the 'width' springs, as I discovered that they allowed inserting the ETQ, but snagged when trying to extract it). The UMC can be worn OWB or IWB (and I find them perfectly comfortable for IWB). |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 5:56:05 PM EDT
[#24]
On a side note. USGI flashbang pouches work great to hold tourniquets. You can pick them up for $1 or $2 each if you look around.
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Posted: 5/23/2023 8:09:16 PM EDT
[#25]
I've found it easier to apply a CAT to myself and the SOFT/W to someone else.
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Posted: 5/23/2023 8:13:13 PM EDT
[#26]
I just ordered some stuff today and will have most of my IFAK for this chest rig together soon. I need to find a good source for Quick Clot. Amazon was iffy on that. I did order a lot of bandages and things from Rescue Essentials. I found their Amazon page. I also got a CAT today. I will be ordering a couple more of those and some SOF T's as well. I kind of blew my budget today and this month with things.
The EDC tourniquet is also on my radar. Skinny Medic did a review of them and liked the wider one the best. Its the same width as a CAT. I think it also folds down a bit smaller and can be worn in a pocket much easier. I need something I can fit into a jean pocket. I may at some point get a holster to put a TQ in and wear it on my belt. I just have no place to put it and drive comfortably either. How do you guys wear your TQ's if you are wearing pants that are not cargo? |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 8:41:19 PM EDT
[#27]
I used to hate the SOF-T. It stems from the original design before they had the wides. I recently taught an academy class where they had the newest gen SOF-T wide. I'll give props where they are due, SOF-T upped their game and tool in alot of user feedback. I like the current generation.
I carry CATs on all my gear and holsters. CAT is the gold standard for a reason. They are easy to train and prolific. They stock all my med bags and vehicles. Also really love the Snakestaff ETQ Wide. I daily carry one. As soon as they open up LEO purchase programs I plan to mount one to all of my long guns. They pack up really nicely. |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 8:45:10 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: How do you guys wear your TQ's if you are wearing pants that are not cargo? Snakestaff ETQ Wide. I Ranger Band it together and slide it in the side cell phone pouch of Kuhl pants. In jeans or pants without it lays relatively flat in my front support side pocket next to my light. |
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Posted: 5/23/2023 10:11:56 PM EDT
[#29]
If you can, give the ones you're interested in a try (contact your local trainers and ask what they have). As several people have noted, some find one easier to apply than the others. Most work about the same, the biggest thing is that you stage it and practice with it so that you can actually use it if you should have to.
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Posted: 5/23/2023 11:55:12 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you can, give the ones you're interested in a try (contact your local trainers and ask what they have). As several people have noted, some find one easier to apply than the others. Most work about the same, the biggest thing is that you stage it and practice with it so that you can actually use it if you should have to. Sad part about trying to find someone local, there isn’t anyone. I have been trying to get my local city hospital to host a stop the bleed class and they won’t. We have a lot of crime here and shootings and it’s a class that could save more lives and they won’t do it. I’m taking care of my father who is in the last stages of dementia. If not for that I would travel to some good classes to get the medical classes. I really feel that it’s important to have it. I want these classes more so than shooting class. I feel like those classes would be better taken before moving to shooting classes. |
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Posted: 5/28/2023 4:10:35 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've found it easier to apply a CAT to myself and the SOFT/W to someone else. This is my experience, but I've also had CATs self destruct mounting them externally, so another factor of mine is SOF-T mounted externally, CATs inside kits. |
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Posted: 5/28/2023 4:53:26 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This is my experience, but I've also had CATs self destruct mounting them externally, so another factor of mine is SOF-T mounted externally, CATs inside kits. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I've found it easier to apply a CAT to myself and the SOFT/W to someone else. This is my experience, but I've also had CATs self destruct mounting them externally, so another factor of mine is SOF-T mounted externally, CATs inside kits. What happened to the CAT? I was going to mount mine outside right above my dangler that I’m using for an IFAK. SOF-T is my next order along with another CAT. |
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Posted: 5/28/2023 8:53:32 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What happened to the CAT? I was going to mount mine outside right above my dangler that I’m using for an IFAK. SOF-T is my next order along with another CAT. They abrade really easy, and get fucked up by too much UV light. Before we started getting SOF-T's about 10 years ago I used to wear CATs on my PC and bags but would have to replace them after 5-6 months of hard use. SOF-T's I swap if there's a new generation, just because I choose to. |
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Posted: 5/28/2023 10:04:56 PM EDT
[#34]
I think the SOF-T is the best one out there but is very heavy compared to the CAT, so I carry the CAT.
The SWAT is great and can serve more than one purpose (compression bandage, splint for example), but not as light as the CAT. |
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Posted: 5/28/2023 10:05:15 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They abrade really easy, and get fucked up by too much UV light. Before we started getting SOF-T's about 10 years ago I used to wear CATs on my PC and bags but would have to replace them after 5-6 months of hard use. SOF-T's I swap if there's a new generation, just because I choose to. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: What happened to the CAT? I was going to mount mine outside right above my dangler that I’m using for an IFAK. SOF-T is my next order along with another CAT. They abrade really easy, and get fucked up by too much UV light. Before we started getting SOF-T's about 10 years ago I used to wear CATs on my PC and bags but would have to replace them after 5-6 months of hard use. SOF-T's I swap if there's a new generation, just because I choose to. Okay. That’s good to know. I’ll get a SOF-T and put it on the outside of my chest rig. |
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Posted: 5/29/2023 2:24:22 PM EDT
[#36]
CAT on my IFAK and on my kit so others using it on me knows how to use it. For my trauma bag, SOF-T wides mainly because I can use it on any casualty especially if I have both hands free.
CAT is easier with one hand and for self application compared to SOF-T. Even the latest gen SOF-T with the hooks, it still requires you to throw the triangle on to prevent any possible failures of the hook, and that triangle is a bitch to put on by yourself in self application. It might be easy single handed when you're doing it without really cranking down the windlass to stop the hemorrhaging. But when you do, it's a PITA. ETA: replace your tourniquets periodically if they are exposed to the elements regularly or get beat up from wear and tear. |
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Posted: 5/29/2023 3:38:11 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've found it easier to apply a CAT to myself and the SOFT/W to someone else. Same. I have both, my ifak is 3/4 Cat though. Car kit is mostly SOFT |
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Posted: 5/30/2023 11:12:22 AM EDT
[#38]
I actually carry both.
I prefer the CAT, but I do carry a SOF-T Wide in a TQ holder from RDR gear that is attached to the front of my Safariland 6094. In that position, the SOF-T wide fits much better and less obtrusively than the the CAT would in that same position. I'm kind of interested now in the RMT (Ratcheting Medical TQ), they look to have the small size benefit of the SOF-T Wide while being as easy to self apply one handed as the CAT. |
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Posted: 5/30/2023 11:52:59 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I actually carry both. I prefer the CAT, but I do carry a SOF-T Wide in a TQ holder from RDR gear that is attached to the front of my Safariland 6094. In that position, the SOF-T wide fits much better and less obtrusively than the the CAT would in that same position. I'm kind of interested now in the RMT (Ratcheting Medical TQ), they look to have the small size benefit of the SOF-T Wide while being as easy to self apply one handed as the CAT. The Ratchet part is bulky - you can make it short and fat, or long and skinny. Doesn't botther me, but the SOFT-W can be made way smaller. (I assume the RMT is the same general design as the RevMedx). |
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Posted: 5/31/2023 6:06:55 AM EDT
[#40]
I carry an SOF-T on my concealed body armor. Bought a velcro chest pocket that I modified slightly to be able to insert it. Since it folds flat, it is not really noticeable under a uniform shirt.
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Posted: 5/31/2023 8:23:10 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No love for the SWAT? They are difficult to properly apply as a TQ with both hands under classroom conditions. |
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Posted: 5/31/2023 10:12:55 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No love for the SWAT? SWAT sucks for anything but kids and dogs, even for those they are less than ideal. |
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Posted: 5/31/2023 10:17:06 PM EDT
[#43]
I'm using a SWAT T for a pressure bandage. Its a backup bandage method to some of my other bandages. I have read that is all they are good for and I can see where you could get them tight enough for that.
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Posted: 5/31/2023 10:33:56 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I need to find a good source for Quick Clot. I switched from Quikclot to Celox:  https://www.celoxmedical.com/how-celox-works/ YMMV. |
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Posted: 6/1/2023 1:23:39 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I switched from Quikclot to Celox: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28207/5C900D12-5152-47BE-A875-2F12CD2F631B-2836187.jpg https://www.celoxmedical.com/how-celox-works/ YMMV. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I need to find a good source for Quick Clot. I switched from Quikclot to Celox: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/28207/5C900D12-5152-47BE-A875-2F12CD2F631B-2836187.jpg https://www.celoxmedical.com/how-celox-works/ YMMV. Hey thank you for that. I will look for that now. I want to get my uncle some since he is on blood thinners. Just a paper cut he bleeds a lot and takes forever for him to stop bleeding. So I’ll get myself some and him too for his small kit (not a gun guy). |
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Posted: 6/1/2023 6:13:02 AM EDT
[#46]
I went with Celox z-fold gauze, not the granules, based on the recommendations of some medical professionals.
As for tourniquets, get both 
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Posted: 6/1/2023 10:01:00 AM EDT
[#47]
I have and use both. The CAT is pretty much universally known due to the Stop the Bleed campaign, but they suck to carry in a pocket as the Velcro will grab clothing and get all nasty. The SOFTT is much easier to carry in a pocket.
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Posted: 6/1/2023 10:06:48 AM EDT
[#48]
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Posted: 6/2/2023 10:34:03 PM EDT
[#49]
I got some shock cord and a stopper in today and I’ll make a holder for my CAT to go onto my chest rig. I’ll get a second CAT and a SOF T to attach and put into my dangler. The shock cord will be like Ranger bands. I found a DIY project on ARFcom.
DIY project for CAT TQ holder using shock cord. |
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Posted: 6/2/2023 11:39:36 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They abrade really easy, and get fucked up by too much UV light. Before we started getting SOF-T's about 10 years ago I used to wear CATs on my PC and bags but would have to replace them after 5-6 months of hard use. SOF-T's I swap if there's a new generation, just because I choose to. I guess I will move my CATs to inside bags and my SOF-Ts to my TQ pouches. I do like the ETQ and the REV MED ones. I will look into those. I went with Celox because I read somewhere that the body will eventually absorb any left in the wound. The doctors have to scrape all the QuickClot out of the wound. |
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