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Tourniquet Conversion in Australia: The Step-by-Step Drill Every Trained Responder Needs to Know

Tourniquet Conversion in Australia: The Step-by-Step Drill Every Trained Responder Needs to Know

Theodore Dimitriou |

When a tourniquet goes on, the clock starts. Every minute of limb ischaemia brings a casualty closer to serious complications — compartment syndrome, reperfusion injury, nerve damage, and in severe cases, limb loss. Applying a tourniquet correctly in the immediate action phase of haemorrhage control is a skill most trained responders have practised. Converting that tourniquet — safely transitioning away from it once the tactical situation allows — is a skill far fewer people have drilled, and far fewer understand.

Tourniquet conversion is not simply removing a tourniquet. It is a deliberate, staged procedure that demands assessment, preparation, and the right equipment standing by. Done correctly and at the right time, it protects the limb from prolonged ischaemia while maintaining haemorrhage control. Done incorrectly — or not attempted at all when it should be — it can cost a casualty their arm or leg, or their life. Research published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery found that up to 49% of military tourniquets and 53% of civilian tourniquets may not have been clinically necessary, yet those casualties still face real ischaemia risk if conversion is not attempted within the evidence-based window.

Whether you are an Australian Defence Force medic, a paramedic, a tactical law enforcement officer, a first aid officer, or a trained civilian responder, understanding the tourniquet conversion procedure — when to attempt it, how to execute it, and when to hold off — is essential knowledge. This article draws on Australian Army clinical guidance, current Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) doctrine, and peer-reviewed military medicine research to give you a clinically grounded, practical guide to tourniquet conversion.


Key Takeaways

  • Tourniquet conversion is the deliberate transition from tourniquet to wound packing and pressure dressing once the immediate threat is controlled and conditions are permissive.

  • The two-hour window is critical — conversion attempted within two hours of tourniquet application is considered safe and should be attempted where conditions allow.

  • A four-phase drill (Immediate Action, Preparation, Conversion, Replacement) provides a structured approach to tourniquet conversion and replacement in the field.

  • The "Plus-1" technique — pre-positioning a second loose tourniquet before releasing the original — dramatically reduces risk during the conversion attempt.

  • Never periodically loosen a tourniquet to give tissue oxygen without a full conversion protocol in place — this causes incremental exsanguination and achieves nothing beneficial.

  • Limited Tourniquet Conversion (LTC) is an intermediate technique for prolonged field care scenarios where full conversion is not possible but ischaemia time must be managed.


What Is Tourniquet Conversion?

Tourniquet conversion (TC) is the planned, stepwise process of releasing a limb tourniquet and transitioning haemorrhage control to wound packing and a pressure dressing, provided that bleeding can be adequately managed without the tourniquet remaining fully tightened.

It is distinct from simply removing a tourniquet. Conversion follows a structured sequence: wound is packed, a pressure dressing is applied, a second tourniquet is pre-positioned but not tightened, and only then is the original tourniquet carefully released. The wound is observed for a minimum of two minutes before declaring conversion successful.

How Does Tourniquet Conversion Differ From Tourniquet Replacement?

Tourniquet replacement (TR) is what happens when conversion fails — when bleeding resumes on release of the original tourniquet and the wound cannot be controlled by packing and pressure alone. In tourniquet replacement, the pre-positioned second tourniquet is tightened, the original is left loosely in place, and the clock for ischaemia time is reset under a new marking.

The two procedures are part of the same drill. Every conversion attempt should be set up as if replacement may be necessary. The goal is always to remove the tourniquet if haemostasis can be maintained — but never at the expense of the casualty's life.

Why the Distinction Matters

Tourniquet replacement is also indicated after traumatic amputation, where conversion is contraindicated but replacing the original tourniquet with one placed just above the amputation level can preserve limb length and improve surgical options. These nuances matter significantly in the Australian Defence and tactical medical context.


Why Tourniquet Conversion Matters: The Clinical Consequences of Leaving One On

A tourniquet applied correctly and left in place indefinitely is not a neutral act. Prolonged limb ischaemia carries a serious complication profile that escalates with time:

  • Compartment syndrome — elevated pressure within the muscle compartment, requiring fasciotomy

  • Reperfusion injury — paradoxical tissue damage occurring when blood flow is restored after prolonged deprivation

  • Metabolic acidosis — ischaemic tissue generates acid load that floods the systemic circulation on reperfusion

  • Coagulopathy — disruption of the clotting cascade from ischaemia and reperfusion

  • Hypotension — haemodynamic instability triggered by reperfusion events

  • Renal failure — myoglobin released from ischaemic muscle damages the kidneys

  • Nerve injury and permanent functional deficit — prolonged compression can cause lasting neurological damage

According to research published in JTACS, tourniquets in place for less than two hours have no documented cases of permanent tissue damage, vascular injury, or nerve injury when properly applied. Beyond two hours, the risk curve climbs steeply. The clinical imperative is therefore clear: if conversion is possible within that window, it should be attempted.

The goal, as military medicine researchers have stated plainly, is to "limit ischaemia but not at the expense of losing a life." Conversion is never performed if haemorrhage control is in doubt. The tourniquet is always a tool that can go back on — but the complications of prolonged ischaemia cannot always be undone.


The Two-Hour Rule — What the Evidence Says

The two-hour threshold is the most clinically significant time marker in tourniquet management, and it shapes every decision in the conversion and replacement process.

Timing Classification Table

Tourniquet Time Risk Level Recommended Action
Less than 2 hours Low — proven safe Attempt conversion in permissive environment
2–6 hours Likely safe, upper limit not scientifically defined Attempt conversion or replacement; advanced capability preferred
Greater than 6 hours High risk for reperfusion injury Leave in place; defer to surgical/advanced medical care

The two-hour threshold is not arbitrary. It reflects the physiological tolerance of limb tissue to complete ischaemia under a correctly applied tourniquet. Research from the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery confirms that no permanent damage from properly applied tourniquets has been documented within this window. Beyond two hours, the risk profile changes significantly — not because conversion becomes impossible, but because the consequences of reperfusion become more difficult to manage in a field environment.

The Australian Army's COVE platform guidance is explicit: attempt de-escalation within two hours in a permissive environment. After two hours, tourniquet conversion becomes a high-risk intervention that ideally requires advanced medical capability — intravenous access, resuscitation capability, and monitoring.

One critical principle underlies all of this: never periodically loosen a tourniquet just to give tissue oxygen. Without a complete conversion protocol in place — wound packed, pressure dressing applied, second tourniquet pre-positioned — intermittently releasing a tourniquet achieves nothing and causes incremental haemorrhage. It is explicitly contraindicated in TCCC doctrine and military medicine guidance.


The Tourniquet Conversion-Replacement Drill: Step by Step

The following four-phase drill is drawn from Australian Army COVE platform clinical guidance (Prosser, 2024) and integrates the "Plus-1" technique from Journal of Special Operations Medicine (Drew et al., 2015). It provides a complete framework for tourniquet conversion and replacement in a field environment.

Phase 1 — Immediate Action (IA) Tourniquet

The IA tourniquet is applied at the point of wounding — high, tight, and horizontal — before any wound assessment. It goes on over clothing if necessary. The time of application is marked clearly on the tourniquet. The goal of the IA phase is to stop life-threatening haemorrhage rapidly; wound assessment comes later.

A CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) or SOF-T Wide Tourniquet is the standard choice for the IA phase. Both are TCCC-compliant, one-handed applicable, and proven effective across military and civilian trauma environments. MyMedEquip supplies both to Australian Defence personnel, emergency services, and civilian responders.

Training note: If you have not drilled the four-phase conversion sequence on a realistic anatomical model, Phase 3 is the moment it will show. The Slishman Tourniquet Conversion Trainer is specifically designed for this purpose — see the dedicated training section below.


Phase 2 — Preparation

Once the casualty is in a sufficiently permissive environment, preparation for conversion begins:

  • Cut away clothing to fully expose the wound

  • Irrigate the wound — tap water is clinically suitable for field irrigation

  • Pack the wound using a haemostatic gauze such as QuikClot Combat Gauze. Pack tightly, applying firm direct pressure for a minimum of 3–5 minutes

  • Apply a pressure dressing — an Israeli Bandage (Emergency Bandage) is the standard choice, providing consistent compression over the wound pack

  • Pre-position the second "Deliberate Tourniquet" directly on skin, approximately 5cm above the wound — this is the "Plus-1" tourniquet from Drew et al.'s protocol. Remove all slack but do not tighten the windlass

The pre-positioned second tourniquet is your safety net. It must be ready to be tightened in seconds if conversion fails. Do not skip this step.

Phase 3 — Tourniquet Conversion

With preparation complete, conversion can be attempted:

  1. Release the windlass of the original IA tourniquet — do not remove it; leave it loosely in place

  2. Observe the wound for a minimum of 2 minutes — watch for any strike-through on the pressure dressing

  3. Small strike-through is acceptable — minor wound exudate after release does not necessarily mean conversion has failed

  4. If blood is dripping or flowing — conversion has failed; proceed immediately to Phase 4

If bleeding remains controlled after two minutes of observation, conversion is successful. Leave both tourniquets loosely in place. Continue to observe regularly — delayed re-bleeding can occur, and the wound must be monitored for signs of haemorrhage resuming.

Phase 4 — Tourniquet Replacement (If Conversion Fails)

If conversion fails and bleeding resumes:

  1. Tighten the windlass of the pre-positioned Deliberate Tourniquet — this is now the primary tourniquet

  2. Mark the new time on the replacement tourniquet

  3. Leave the original IA tourniquet loosely in place — do not retighten it if bleeding is now controlled by the replacement tourniquet

  4. If haemostatic packing has not yet worked fully, apply additional haemostatic agent and hold pressure for 3–5 minutes before retightening if needed

  5. Confirm distal pulse is absent in the affected limb — this confirms adequate occlusion pressure

The original tourniquet remains in place loosely. It should not be retightened unless the replacement tourniquet loses effectiveness. Both remain on the limb until surgical care is available.


When NOT to Attempt Tourniquet Conversion: Contraindications

Tourniquet conversion is not always appropriate. The following contraindications should be assessed before any conversion attempt.

Contraindications Table

Contraindication Reason Action
Casualty is in haemorrhagic shock Conversion may precipitate irreversible cardiovascular collapse Leave tourniquet; prioritise resuscitation
Traumatic amputation (complete) Conversion is not possible — vessel ends are transected Perform tourniquet replacement just above amputation level
Tourniquet in place >6 hours Field conversion inadvisable; reperfusion risk in austere setting Leave in place; evacuate urgently
Wound cannot be observed post-conversion Cannot detect rebleeding Do not attempt conversion
Cannot maintain monitoring Delayed re-bleeding will not be detected Do not attempt conversion
Blast injury with clearly non-viable limb Reperfusion of non-viable tissue is harmful Do not attempt; Limited Tourniquet Conversion also contraindicated
Tactically non-permissive environment Conversion requires sustained attention and safe observation period Defer until permissive
No second tourniquet available Cannot safely execute the Plus-1 preparation step Do not attempt conversion; await resupply or evacuation

When in doubt — leave it on. A tourniquet in place is a controlled situation. A conversion attempted without the right conditions is not.


Limited Tourniquet Conversion in Prolonged Field Care

Clinical scope notice: Limited Tourniquet Conversion (LTC) is an advanced clinical intervention. It is intended for use by advanced healthcare providers — including military medical officers, advanced paramedics, and physicians — operating in prolonged field care or austere environments. It is not a technique for standard first responders or civilians. The information below is provided for educational purposes only.


Standard tourniquet conversion is designed for scenarios where a casualty can be evacuated within a few hours. Prolonged Field Care (PFC) — where evacuation may be delayed by many hours or even days — presents a different problem. You may not be able to fully convert the tourniquet, but you also cannot simply leave it fully applied indefinitely.

Limited Tourniquet Conversion (LTC) is an intermediate technique developed to address exactly this scenario. It was detailed in Australian Army COVE platform clinical guidance by Freeman (2023) and represents an important evolution in field trauma doctrine.

What Is LTC?

LTC treats the tourniquet not as a binary on/off device, but as a dynamic augment to wound packing and permissive systemic hypotension. It is used in conjunction with these other haemorrhage control strategies — not as a replacement for them.

There are two methods:

  • Time-Limited TC — the tourniquet is intermittently released for defined reperfusion intervals, then reapplied. The reperfusion interval should likely be greater than 10 minutes to provide worthwhile physiological benefit.

  • Pressure-Limited TC — the tourniquet pressure is reduced (not fully released) to allow partial perfusion while maintaining some haemostatic effect.

When Is LTC Appropriate?

LTC should only be considered when:

  • The casualty is relatively haemodynamically stable — shock is an absolute contraindication

  • Total anticipated tourniquet time exceeds 2 hours and full conversion is not achievable

  • The limb is clearly viable — LTC is contraindicated where the limb is non-viable or where blast amputation has occurred

  • Wound packing and pressure dressings are already in place

LTC is unnecessary if total anticipated tourniquet time is less than 2 hours — in that scenario, standard conversion should simply be performed when conditions allow. And critically: do not release after 2 continuous hours in an austere field environment without the full suite of preparation and monitoring that PFC protocols require.

The Tourniquet Application State (TAS) Concept

Freeman's COVE guidance introduces the concept of Tourniquet Application State (TAS) — the idea that a tourniquet's clinical state should be understood as dynamic and adjustable, not simply "on" or "off." This reframing is important for any provider managing a casualty across extended timeframes. It supports a more nuanced, clinically responsive approach to limb ischaemia management in the field.


Who Should Perform Tourniquet Conversion in Australia?

This question has a more nuanced answer than many people expect — and the guidance is evolving.

Current TCCC, Joint Trauma System, and NAEMT doctrine positions tourniquet conversion and replacement as a procedure performed by medical professionals — medics, paramedics, and physicians. This reflects the complexity of the procedure and the consequences of failure.

TECC (Tactical Emergency Casualty Care) guidance — applicable to law enforcement and tactical responders — extends this to trained medics and law enforcement personnel who have received appropriate instruction.

Holcomb et al., writing in JTACS (2023), argue for a broader approach: if no medic is available, or if the tourniquet has been in place for two or more hours, anyone with appropriate training should attempt conversion or replacement. The rationale is straightforward — the alternative of inaction may be worse than an imperfect field conversion by a trained layperson. Notably, the Armed Forces of Ukraine adopted this approach from July 2023, reflecting the operational realities of high-volume, resource-constrained trauma care.

In Australia, the practical guidance is:

  • ADF medics and Special Forces personnel: Perform conversion per TCCC/COVE protocols

  • Paramedics and advanced first aiders: Conversion is within scope with appropriate training

  • Tactical law enforcement (CERT, AFP, SES): Conversion per TECC guidance with training

  • Trained civilian responders: Understand the procedure; apply it only if medically trained personnel are unavailable and tourniquet time is approaching or exceeding two hours

Regardless of role, training and drilling the procedure before you need it is what determines whether you can execute it effectively under pressure. The four-phase drill described in this article should be practised until it is automatic.


What Equipment Do You Need for Tourniquet Conversion?

The conversion procedure requires specific equipment to be pre-staged and ready. Improvising under pressure costs time — and in this context, time costs limbs.

Core Equipment List

1. Two Tourniquets — IA and Deliberate

You need at least one tourniquet applied as the IA tourniquet and a second tourniquet available for pre-positioning. For the Deliberate Tourniquet role — the one pre-positioned before conversion begins — the TRUST Tactical Ratchet Tourniquet has specific mechanical advantages that make it particularly well suited to tourniquet conversion.

Unlike windlass-based tourniquets, the TRUST uses a ratchet mechanism that allows incremental, controlled tightening and — critically — incremental loosening. This matters significantly during a conversion attempt:

  • Fine pressure control: When assessing whether a conversion is holding, you can reduce tourniquet pressure in small, measured steps rather than a single full windlass release. This reduces the risk of a sudden haemodynamic pressure wave travelling down the limb.

  • No slip risk: A windlass can slip under load, delivering an uncontrolled pressure drop. The ratchet locks positively at each increment — there is no sudden uncontrolled release.

  • Precise re-engagement: If conversion begins to fail and retightening is needed, the ratchet re-engages immediately and accurately — no winding, no fumbling under stress.

  • One-handed operation: The "1 Grip 1 Handle" design allows single-handed application and adjustment, keeping one hand free to monitor the wound during Phase 3 observation.

→ TRUST Tactical Ratchet Tourniquet — Pre-order at MyMedEquip ($189.90)

For the IA tourniquet role, a CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) or SOF-T Wide Tourniquet remains the TCCC-standard choice — both are available from MyMedEquip and widely issued across the Australian Defence Force, law enforcement, and emergency services.

2. Haemostatic Wound Packing Gauze

Standard gauze absorbs blood but does not accelerate clotting. Where major vessel injury is suspected, an active haemostatic agent is required. Two options available from MyMedEquip:

  • QuikClot Combat Gauze LE — the TCCC-approved field standard. Kaolin-impregnated, Z-folded for fast deployment, vacuum-sealed with eight tear points, and X-ray detectable post-treatment. Explicitly indicated for tourniquet conversion. ($95)

  • QuikClot EMS Haemostatic Dressing 10 × 10cm — a compact single-dressing option suited to individual first aid kits and paramedic bags. Same kaolin mechanism, easy-rip packaging for one-handed access. ($39.00)

3. Trauma Pressure Dressing

Once the wound is packed, a pressure dressing locks in haemostasis over the pack. Two options from MyMedEquip:

4. Wound Irrigation Capability

A syringe or irrigation bag for wound irrigation prior to packing. Field guidance confirms that tap water is clinically suitable for wound irrigation — sterile saline is preferable where available but not essential.

5. Permanent Marker

To note the time of tourniquet application directly on the tourniquet — and to re-mark time if replacement is performed. Non-negotiable.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is tourniquet conversion?

Tourniquet conversion is the deliberate, stepwise process of releasing a limb tourniquet and transitioning haemorrhage control to wound packing and a pressure dressing — provided that bleeding can be adequately managed without the tourniquet remaining fully tightened. It is not simply removing a tourniquet. It follows a structured four-phase protocol that includes wound preparation, haemostatic packing, pressure dressing application, pre-positioning of a second tourniquet, and careful observation after releasing the original.

When should you convert a tourniquet?

Conversion should be attempted within two hours of tourniquet application, in a tactically and clinically permissive environment. The casualty must be haemodynamically stable — not in shock. Conversion should not be attempted if the wound cannot be observed after release, if no second tourniquet is available for pre-positioning, or if the tactical environment does not allow for a sustained observation period.

How do you convert a tourniquet in the field?

The four-phase conversion drill proceeds as follows: (1) Apply the IA tourniquet high and tight at the point of wounding. (2) Prepare by cutting clothing, irrigating the wound, packing with haemostatic gauze, applying a pressure dressing, and pre-positioning a second tourniquet loosely on the skin 5cm above the wound. (3) Release the windlass of the original tourniquet and observe the wound for a minimum of two minutes. (4) If bleeding resumes, tighten the pre-positioned tourniquet, mark the new time, and leave the original loosely in place. If bleeding remains controlled, conversion is successful.

What is the two-hour rule for tourniquets?

The two-hour rule refers to the evidence-based clinical threshold for safe tourniquet conversion. Tourniquets applied for less than two hours have no documented cases of permanent tissue damage, vascular injury, or nerve injury when correctly applied. After two hours, the risk of serious ischaemic complications — compartment syndrome, reperfusion injury, coagulopathy, acidosis — increases significantly. Conversion after two hours is possible (up to six hours) but requires advanced medical capability. Beyond six hours, conversion is not recommended in a field environment.

Can civilians perform tourniquet conversion?

Under current TCCC and NAEMT guidance, tourniquet conversion is a procedure for medical professionals. However, research published in JTACS (Holcomb et al., 2023) — and operational adoption by the Armed Forces of Ukraine — supports the position that trained civilians should attempt conversion if no medic is available and tourniquet time is approaching or exceeding two hours. In Australia, any trained responder who has drilled the conversion procedure and has the required equipment can and arguably should attempt conversion when the alternative is prolonged ischaemia without medical oversight.

What is tourniquet replacement and how is it different from conversion?

Tourniquet replacement (TR) is performed when conversion fails — when bleeding resumes on release of the original tourniquet and cannot be controlled by wound packing and pressure alone. In replacement, the pre-positioned second tourniquet is tightened, becoming the new primary tourniquet, and the original is left loosely in place. Tourniquet replacement is also the correct procedure after traumatic amputation, where conversion is contraindicated but replacing the tourniquet just above the amputation level can preserve limb length for surgical reconstruction.

What are the contraindications for tourniquet conversion?

Tourniquet conversion is contraindicated when: the casualty is in haemorrhagic shock; the injury involves complete traumatic amputation; the tourniquet has been in place for more than six hours; the wound cannot be observed after the tourniquet is released; monitoring cannot be maintained; the limb is clearly non-viable; the environment is tactically non-permissive; or no second tourniquet is available to pre-position. In all these situations, leave the tourniquet in place and prioritise evacuation to definitive medical care.

What is limited tourniquet conversion in prolonged field care?

Limited Tourniquet Conversion (LTC) is an intermediate technique used in prolonged field care scenarios where full conversion is not achievable but tourniquet ischaemia time must be managed. It uses the tourniquet as a dynamic augment alongside wound packing and permissive systemic hypotension, either through intermittent timed release (Time-Limited TC) or controlled pressure reduction (Pressure-Limited TC). LTC is only appropriate for haemodynamically stable casualties with viable limbs, and is unnecessary if total tourniquet time is anticipated to be less than two hours. It is contraindicated following blast amputation or where the limb is clearly non-viable.

What products do I need for tourniquet conversion?

A complete tourniquet conversion setup requires: two tourniquets (a CAT or SOF-T Wide for the IA role, and a ratchet tourniquet such as the TRUST Tactical Ratchet Tourniquet for the Deliberate/pre-positioned role); haemostatic wound packing gauze (QuikClot Combat Gauze LE or the compact QuikClot EMS Dressing); a trauma pressure dressing (SafeGuard Israeli Bandage or TraumaFix Military Dressing); wound irrigation capability; and a permanent marker. For skills development, the Slishman Tourniquet Conversion Trainer is the recommended training aid. MyMedEquip supplies all of these items to Australian Defence, emergency services, and civilian buyers.


Train the Drill Before You Need It: The Slishman Tourniquet Conversion Trainer

Reading a four-phase drill is not the same as being able to execute it under pressure on a real limb with adrenaline running. The mechanics of tourniquet conversion — understanding how pressure distributes, where a windlass or ratchet is actually compressing tissue, and how a pressure bandage behaves over a packed wound — are not intuitive until you have felt them on a realistic anatomical model.

The Slishman Tourniquet Conversion Trainer is built specifically for this purpose. It is the only training aid that replicates the anatomical and mechanical reality of tourniquet conversion — not just tourniquet application.

Why it is essential for conversion training specifically:

  • Anatomically accurate cross-section — includes femur, quadriceps, hamstrings, vastus muscles, and layered soft tissue. You can see and feel exactly where the pressure plate is compressing versus where it is not — which is critical for understanding correct tourniquet placement before a conversion attempt.

  • Dual-density silicone construction — two firmness grades replicate the difference between muscle belly and soft tissue, giving learners tactile feedback that cannot be replicated with a mannequin arm or foam pad.

  • Demonstrates directional pressure, not circumferential compression — one of the most persistent misconceptions in tourniquet training is that the device compresses evenly around the limb. The Slishman trainer corrects this visually and tactilely. Understanding this is critical for placing the Deliberate Tourniquet correctly before conversion, and for understanding why a ratchet mechanism like the TRUST provides more controlled pressure management than a windlass under these conditions.

  • Pressure bandage compatible — allows learners to practise correct pressure dressing placement over a packed wound model, building the muscle memory for Phase 2 of the conversion drill before a live scenario.

  • Table-edge clamp included — mounts securely for classroom instruction, one-on-one coaching, and scenario-based training without requiring a volunteer or live patient.

For any responder expected to perform tourniquet conversion — ADF medics, paramedics, tactical law enforcement, or advanced civilian responders — drilling on the Slishman trainer before live scenarios is the responsible preparation standard.

→ Slishman Tourniquet Conversion Trainer — $430 at MyMedEquip

If you want the trainer and the TRUST Tourniquet together, the Tourniquet Conversion Training Bundle combines both into a single purchase — the most complete way to build and practise the full conversion drill with the exact equipment you will carry.


Tourniquet Conversion Training Bundle — The Complete Package

If you want the trainer and the tourniquet together, the Tourniquet Conversion Training Bundle is the most direct way to build a complete, end-to-end conversion training capability. It is a MyMedEquip-exclusive bundle — $509.90 for everything listed below.

What's included:

  • Slishman Tourniquet Conversion Trainer — the anatomical cross-section limb model, with dual-density silicone construction and table-edge clamp

  • TRUST Tactical Ratchet Tourniquet — the ratchet tourniquet you will carry and drill with

  • Slishman Pressure Wrap — for conversion technique practice

Together, these three items cover the full spectrum of the conversion-replacement drill: high-and-tight IA application, wound exposure and packing, pressure dressing placement, staged loosening, de-escalation, and rapid re-application if conversion fails. The Slishman trainer shows learners exactly how asymmetric pressure works on a limb — and the TRUST lets them then apply, loosen, and retighten under real ratchet feedback, repeatedly, without risk to a live subject.

Designed specifically for medics, trainers, and high-risk teams in Australian conditions — and applicable across defence, police, industrial, remote-area, and advanced paramedic training programs.

TRUST stock due late July. Pre-order now to secure your bundle.


→ Pre-order the Tourniquet Conversion Training Bundle — $440.00 at MyMedEquip


Build Your Tourniquet Conversion Kit With MyMedEquip

Understanding tourniquet conversion is only half the equation. The other half is having the right equipment staged and ready — and having drilled the procedure until it is automatic.

MyMedEquip is an Australian supplier of TCCC-compliant trauma equipment trusted by ADF units, emergency services, and trained civilians across the country. Everything you need to execute the conversion-replacement drill:

Item Role Product Price
Ratchet tourniquet Deliberate / conversion tourniquet TRUST Tactical Ratchet Tourniquet $189.90
Haemostatic gauze (field) Wound packing QuikClot Combat Gauze LE $94.90
Haemostatic gauze (non-medicated) Wound packing QuikClot EMS Dressing 10×10cm $9.90
Pressure dressing Haemostasis over wound pack SafeGuard 4" Israeli Bandage $21.90
Pressure dressing (alt.) Haemostasis over wound pack TraumaFix Military Field Dressing $19.90
Conversion trainer Skills development and drilling Slishman Tourniquet Conversion Trainer $430
Training bundle Slishman Trainer + TRUST Tourniquet + Pressure Wrap Tourniquet Conversion Training Bundle $509.90

→ Browse the full range of tourniquets and bleed control kits at MyMedEquip

→ Not sure what configuration suits your role and environment? Contact the MyMedEquip team for guidance on TCCC-compliant kit build.


DISCLAIMER

This article is for educational purposes only and is based on published military medicine doctrine and clinical guidance. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical training or clinical judgement. Tourniquet conversion and replacement should only be performed by individuals who have received appropriate hands-on training for their scope of practice. Limited Tourniquet Conversion (LTC) is an advanced skill intended for advanced healthcare providers only — it is not appropriate for first responders or civilians without advanced clinical training. Always follow your organisation's clinical protocols and standing orders, and seek definitive medical care as soon as possible.