Slishman Tourniquet Trainer

The Slishman Tourniquet Trainer is a high-fidelity simulation tool that teaches the mechanics, limitations, and real-world behaviour of tourniquets and pressure bandages. It represents a transverse cross-section of the human upper leg, showing the internal structures that matter most during haemorrhage control: the femur, quadriceps, hamstrings, vastus group, surrounding soft tissues, and anatomically placed arteries and veins.

Built from two grades of silicone, the model replicates the differing firmness of muscle groups and soft tissue. Learners can feel and see how pressure transmits through tissue layers and how vascular occlusion actually occurs.

Lessons

The trainer is engineered to challenge a common misconception: that tourniquets apply equal circumferential pressure. Instead, it clearly demonstrates that the pressure plate and cinch strap exert focused, directional force directly beneath them. The same principle applies to pressure bandages, helping learners understand why applicator placement is critical for effective bleeding control.

• Windlass and single-ratchet tourniquets deliver asymmetric
  squeeze (with the exception of TRUST due to its double ratchet mechanism).
• Vessels lie medial to the femur, and the femur is not centered.
• Muscle is firmer than surrounding soft tissue and major vessels
  run in between.
• Deeper vessels require considerably more pressure to
  occlude.
• Tourniquet designs distribute force differently; some create
  more superficial tissue compression than others.
• Elastic wraps deliver more symmetric squeeze.
• Targeted direct pressure can create deep focal compression
  while sparing neighboring tissues.

A secure table-edge clamp is available on request so the trainer can be mounted for stable, hands-on demonstrations, classroom instruction, and scenario-based training.

Key features

• Anatomically accurate cross-section: femur, quadriceps, hamstrings, vastus muscles, and soft tissue layers for realistic visual and tactile learning.
• Dual-density silicone construction: two firmness grades replicate the feel of real muscle and soft tissue.
• Demonstrates directional pressure: shows how the pressure plate and cinch strap focus force, not equal circumferential compression.
• Pressure bandage compatible: teaches correct applicator placement for effective haemorrhage control.

Due to in house manual manufacturing a slight variation in colour tones may occur.