A tourniquet (TQ) is a medical device designed to stop severe, life-threatening bleeding from an extremity, which is the leading cause of preventable death in trauma settings. A plate carrier (PC) holds ballistic armor plates and serves as a modular platform for carrying critical equipment. Proper TQ placement directly impacts survivability, as the device must be accessible for immediate self-application or for a teammate to quickly render aid. Correct placement can save the seconds needed for effective hemorrhage control and prevent fatal blood loss.
Defining Rapid Access and Retention
The placement of a tourniquet must adhere to two principles: rapid access and reliable retention. Rapid access means the device can be retrieved and applied to an injured limb in the shortest time possible, ideally within the first minute of injury. This accessibility is paramount for self-aid, requiring the tourniquet to be reachable by either hand, especially the non-dominant hand, in case the dominant arm is injured.
Retention ensures the tourniquet remains securely attached to the gear during strenuous activity, preventing accidental loss. The TQ must be held securely but cannot be so tightly bound that it hinders immediate, one-handed deployment. Placement should prioritize the user’s own access, but visibility for buddy-aid is a secondary consideration, allowing a teammate to quickly locate and deploy the device.
Primary Plate Carrier Placement Locations
The most recommended locations for TQ placement are directly on the plate carrier, as this gear is often the first donned and the last removed. A popular option utilizes a pouch that hangs below the front plate bag, often called a “dangler” or “fanny pack” pouch. This location provides high visibility and immediate access with either hand, positioning the TQ in the central working space of the body. The disadvantage is that this low-frontal placement can slightly obstruct the user when getting into a low-prone position.
Another effective primary placement is on the cummerbund, typically on the non-dominant side, using elastic loops or a dedicated quick-release pouch. Placing the TQ here ensures it does not interfere with the primary draw of a sidearm or the manipulation of magazines on the dominant side. This lateral position keeps the front of the carrier clear for reloads while still allowing for ambidextrous access. Regardless of the location, the tourniquet should be staged out of its original packaging and folded in a ready-to-use configuration to minimize deployment steps.
Alternative and Supplemental Carry Methods
Carrying multiple tourniquets is standard practice, requiring secondary locations to supplement the primary one on the plate carrier. The duty or battle belt is a highly accessible location for a second TQ, often placed on the strong side or slightly forward of the hip bone. This placement is useful because the belt is frequently worn even when the plate carrier is removed, such as during vehicle operations.
A dedicated trauma pouch, known as an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK), is another common location for one or more tourniquets. This TQ is typically reserved for treating non-immediate injuries or for providing buddy-aid, as it is often stored in a less accessible location, like the lower back of the plate carrier or the rear of the belt. The TQ within the IFAK serves as a reliable backup, protected from the elements.
Tertiary Carry Options
For situations requiring high concealment or ultimate redundancy, tertiary options like ankle or cargo pocket carry may be considered. While these locations offer slower access times compared to the plate carrier or belt, they ensure a TQ is available even if the main gear is compromised. The core principle remains that every layer of equipment should contain an immediately accessible tourniquet.