Abdominal Aortic Junctional Tourniquet - Stabilized (AAJTS) can be applied both successfully and rapidly by Combat Medical Technicians (CMTs)

Abstract

Background‘Non-compressible’ haemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable battlefield death, often requiring surgical or radiological intervention, which is precluded in the pre-hospital environment. One-fifth of such bleeds are junctional and therefore potentially survivable. We examine the use of the Abdominal Aortic Junctional Tourniquet - Stabilized (AAJTS) among UK Combat Medical Technicians (CMTs) as a device to control junctional haemorrhage with external compression of the abdominal aorta—compression of junctional haemorrhage previously considered ‘non-compressible.’ This follows animal studies showing that the AAJTS achieves control of haemorrhage and improves physiological parameters.MethodsCMTs were selected and applied the AAJTS to each other following a 1-hour training package. A consultant radiologist-operated hand-held ultrasound monitored flow changes in the subjects’ common femoral artery. CMTs were then surveyed for their opinions as to utility and function.Results21 CMTs were screened and 17 CMTs participated with 34 total applications (16 day and 18 low-light). 27/34 (79%) achieved a successful application. The median application time was 75 s in daylight and 57 s in low-light conditions. There was no significant difference in Body Mass Index (p=0.23), median systolic blood pressure (p=0.19), nor class of CMT (p=0.10) between successful and unsuccessful applications. Higher systolic blood pressure was associated with longer application times (p=0.03). Users deemed the device easy to use (median score 4.4 on a 5-point Likert scale).ConclusionCMTs can use AAJTS successfully after a 1-hour training session in the majority of applications. Application was successful in both daylight and low-light conditions. Self-reported usability ratings were high.