It is time for Tourniquet Tuesday! My dear friend and Pine Survey Contributor Alzwolf will give you his opinion on the SAM XT Extremity Tourniquet by SamMedical.

SAM XT Extremity Tourniquet

https://www.sammedical.com/products/sam-xt

Introducing

The SAM XT Extremity Tourniquet by SAM MEDICAL is a compact system for adult limb haemostasis, designed for rapid application in the toughest conditions. Its innovative design requires fewer turns with the gag and allows for easier, faster training and more intuitive working.

The SAM XT in a compact form and ready for use

Specs

• Dimension packed: 18,4 cm x 6,3 cm x 3,8 cm / unpacked: 88,9 x 6,3 cm
• Weight: 108 gr
• Colours: black / orange / blue
• NSN: MIL-STD-810G PROVEN

The TRUFORCE ™ buckle technology is the main reason for the effectiveness of this tourniquet. The closure mechanism provides the necessary pull on the dust edge, prevents application errors, especially by a loosely applied dust cover and last but not least prevents (accidental) loosening of velcro strips, which is common in other tourniquets.

The tourniquet works on the basis of three simple steps: click – turn – fasten.The SAM XT solves this problem with an all-weather, single-layer, non-velcro nylon, precision-cut belt with punched holes that lock with the so called TRUFORCE ™ buckle to create a consistent, efficient primary safety system. As soon as you pull on the band, you will hear a click of the band snapping into the TRUFORCE ™ buckle.Made of 100% nylon TRUFLEX™, the plate distributes forces as targeted circumferential pressure and provides additional support for the gag.

The aluminium toggle is secured and held in the C-hooks. The weather-resistant, night vision-optimized time band ensures safe use in any environment. This secondary velcro system secures the remaining strap, ensuring stability and safety. The SAM XT can be released by loosening the windings of the toggle and pressing the TRUFORCE ™ buckle against the direction, releasing the tension and allowing the belt to be pulled out.

SAM XT used on the arm.

The tape is tightened and the system snaps into place. As soon as you pull on the band, you will hear a click on how the band snaps into the TRUFORCE ™ buckle.

The aluminium toggle is tightened and then held in the C clips. The plate exerts enough pressure.

The rest of the tape is pulled through the C clips.

At last put the time band over it and the SAM XT sits safe and stable.

The SAM XT can be released by loosening the windings of the toggle and pressing the TRUFORCE ™ buckle against the direction, releasing the tension and allowing the belt to be pulled out

Application on the leg. Pull on the band.

As soon as you pull on the band, you will hear a click on how the band snaps into the TRUFORCE ™ buckle. Here you see clearly how the pins engage in the holes

Tighten the gags and secure them in the C clips. The time band above and the SAM XT sits securely and stable for transport.

The SAM XT can be released by loosening the windings of the toggle and pressing the TRUFORCE ™ buckle against the direction, releasing the tension and allowing the belt to be pulled out

Conclusion

The SAM XT convinced me, because it can be applied easily, quickly and effectively. Even by inexperienced and layman! I personally liked that pressure is maintained by the latched band and that it cannot happen that it fails by an unintentional release of the tape during transport – either by the injured himself, or other scenarios.

Another advantage is the large pressure surface, which makes the application a lot easier.

The buckle system has a large opening, which allows you to thread without much loss of time even with one-handed operation of the band

In my opinion, a very good solution!

The only downside to me is that it is not as compact as other tourniquets we have seen because of the TRUFORCE ™ buckle and TRUFLEX™ plate. Unfortunately, there was no room in my TQ pouches. Nevertheless, it has found room in my Medic / IFAK pouch.

With that being said, thank you for reading!

Take care!