Initial tourniquet pressure does not affect tourniquet arterial occlusion pressure.

Background: Effective nonelastic strap-based tourniquets are typically pulled tight and friction or hook-and-loop secured before engaging a mechanical advantage system to reach arterial occlusion pressure. This study examined the effects of skin surface initial secured pressure (Friction Pressure) on the skin surface pressure applied at arterial occlusion (Occlusion Pressure) and on the use of the mechanical advantage system.

Methods: Combat Application Tourniquets(®) (CATs; combattourniquet.