REVIEW: Everyday Carry Tourniquet (ETQ) by SNAKESTAFF SYSTEMS

There are currently many tourniquets from various manufacturers on the market. Some of these tourniquets are carried in special pouches on duty belts, chest rigs, or plate carriers.
The Everyday Carry Tourniquet (ETQ) by the US company SNAKESTAFF SYSTEMS has developed a compact tourniquet that can be carried at all times. SPARTANAT took a closer look at this tourniquet system.

Specifications

The ETQ has a length of 95.25 cm and a width of 2.54 cm. The weight of this tourniquet is 32 grams. The ETQ is designed to be able to shrink down to a diameter of 2.54 cm. The advantage: It is applicable for adults, children, dogs, or other small-limbed beings.

The second advantage: the compact folded size is equivalent to that of a Glock 19 magazine. Therefore, ETQ is suitable to be carried in a pistol magazine pouch.

The tourniquet is made of highly durable Nylon webbing Type 13 Class 1a, woven in Black, manufactured according to MIL-W-4088. The webbing is UV resistant and absorbs minimal moisture. Hook and loop is attached to the entire webbing.

Compared to other tourniquets, ETQ is up to 65% smaller than the others (according to the manufacturer). We took a look at this with a few others (from left to right): SOF-T, CAT, ETQ, RMT, SICH, SKALA, TROJA Tactical. Here you can clearly see the size and width differences.

Structure

Carabiner Hook Windlass: Anchor windlasses that are bumped during transport and unwind have proven to be deadly. The carabiner hook automatically locks and is more secure than a Velcro strap. The carabiner also serves as an attachment point and can be secured to a key ring, backpack, belt loops, or MOLLE/PALS loops.

Textured Windlass: The textured construction and grooves in the windlass help provide a good grip when applying in slippery conditions.

Chemlight: The included chemlight breaks upon application. The first responder can identify where the tourniquet was applied in darkness or diffuse light.

Instructions: Simplified instructions for use are printed directly on the ETQ for those who have no medical experience or training in the application of a tourniquet or are in shock. A scannable QR code leads the user to a step-by-step video tutorial.

Application

The ETQ is applied like any other tourniquet. Once on an upper arm and once on a thigh. ETQ. The pressure of the tourniquet should be applied until no pulse is palpable distally and the bleeding stops.

We tightened the ETQ really well.

Unfortunately, we found that a pulse was still palpable. Whether on the arm or leg. In an emergency, a second tourniquet is needed. Our test person weighs 83 kg and is 183 cm tall, with a resting heart rate of 43.

For larger, muscular arms or legs, the applications are already more difficult. Additionally, in an emergency situation, most tourniquets are applied over clothing.

Comparison

For comparison, we applied various tourniquets to a Styrofoam pool noodle and tightened them. From left to right: SOF-T Gen.4, CAT Gen.7, ETQ, SICH, SKALA, TROJA Tactical.

Why? SNAKESTAFF SYSTEMS advertises with the following statement: "Note on TQ width: The ETQ measures 37.5" in length and 1" in width. Many people believe that the gold standard TQ is wider than it actually is. However, if you examine a sample closely, you will see that it is just a 1-inch piece of webbing that constricts. Try it out for yourself. Stretch your TQ over a foam roll and let it sit for 30 minutes. Come back and measure the imprints. You will find that the width is only 1". A functional width of 1" fulfills its purpose and has been proven effective for years."

From our point of view, a nice demonstration, but a different result was obtained when applied to a person. The ETQ does not fully bind as effectively as other binding systems.

CONCLUSION

The Everyday Carry Tourniquet (ETQ) from SNAKESTAFF SYSTEMS is small, compact, lightweight, and can be carried in a pistol magazine pocket. It takes up little space and can also be stored in a pants pocket. The carabiner clip is a positive feature, securing the windlass very well. Another positive point is the chemlight. Every medic knows where this tourniquet is placed.

Negative aspects were found in the application of the ETQ, as the pulse was still detectable. In an emergency, a second binding system will be needed. It could not be determined to what extent it is usable for dogs or children. The age at which it can be used on children could also not be determined.

The anchor winch is very well secured by the carabiner. The remaining band is very difficult to get over the carabiner. The band from the tourniquet does not hold firmly in place despite the Velcro, a gap was found and the tourniquet was already open. The pressure from the tourniquet was very easy to lift.

There is also an ETQ WIDE (Everyday Carry Tourniquet Wide), which is only 12mm wider than the ETQ, making it still compact and about 35% smaller than the industry standard TQ.

Having instructions on the TQ is all well and good, but in an emergency, every move must be precise. Retrieving a video wastes time. And not everywhere is the mobile network reception perfect. Every second counts. Stop the bleed!

The Everyday Carry Tourniquet (ETQ) from SNAKESTAFF SYSTEMS is available in Europe here at B&T AG in Switzerland for 34.50 CHF.

SNAKESTAFF SYSTEMS online

B&T AG online

"Tactical Medicine" by Carsten Dombrowski, SPARTANAT Black Book 3, pocket-sized paperback, 136 pages, Euro 14.90