The Combat Ready Clamp, a vise-like tourniquet, has just received new critical indications from the FDA making it the first device of its kind approved to treat unmanageable amputations and pelvic wounds not addressable with standard limb tourniquets. The Combat Ready Clamp is a now approved for use on all five anatomical junctions where life-threatening hemorrhage can occur in the result of such actions as roadside and terrorist bombings. Uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death in combat and remains the top focus of tactical medicine.
Combat Medical Systems, manufacturer of the Combat Ready Clamp, has worked extensively with the U.S. Army’s Institute for Surgical Research (USAISR) in San Antonio, Texas, and with the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, North Carolina, to ensure the device’s clinical efficacy.
“The Combat Ready Clamp is the first device available to treat junctional hemorrhage of the upper extremity on the battlefield or anywhere else, and Combat Medical Systems continues to lead the way in the best care for the nation, ” said Dr. John Kragh of the U.S. Army, in the May 7, 2013 news release. “We in the military also continue to be impressed with their team which includes Wake Forest University in their commitment to the best care for these casualties.”
The Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) recommends the device, which applies in seconds. It has already shown life saving success in limited use in Afghanistan as well as multiple Life Flight cases in the U.S.
“Everyone at Combat Medical Systems is excited about this recent news, ” said Chris Murphy, vice president of research and development. “This has certainly been a team effort. The support we have received from the USAISR and Wake Forest University has been invaluable in our efforts to deliver this one-of-a-kind device. But it is the early adopters, the military leaders and most importantly our great military medics and corpsman that serve our fallen every day that deserve the most credit.”
Combat Medical Systems, headquartered in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was founded in 2008 by a team of experienced military medical personnel and industry product specialists with a mission to simplify tactical medicine.
