Dreaming of more affordable life-saving gear? Picture having a generous supply for your vehicles, home, in every range bag, EDC pack, IFAK, and plate carrier kit?
This desire led me down this path. I prefer buying in bulk to ensure there’s never a shortage of crucial equipment when it’s needed most.
Let’s touch on some basics first.. or click here to jump to the point >>
Preface
Who is North American Rescue (NAR)?
North American Rescue (NAR) is a company that specializes in providing medical solutions for military, law enforcement, and civilian markets in North America. They are the most well-known brand and are often referred to as the only option worth buying.
Who is Rhino Rescue?
Established in 2010, Rhino Rescue has quickly distinguished itself and made a notable impact. The company has gained recognition as a key supplier of emergency frontline medical equipment, notably contributing to events such as the FIFA World Cup and the London Olympics. Their impact extends to various regions, including parts of Africa and Saudi Arabia.
What is a Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT)?
The CAT tourniquet is designed for use in emergency situations to control severe bleeding by restricting blood flow to a limb or extremity. They are an important tool in emergency situations to prevent excessive blood loss.
Here is a graphic that perfectly illustrates the anatomy of a CAT:
The pewNerds Breakdown
I was surprised to find that, although both tourniquets use the same design to serve the same purpose, there are noteworthy differences. While the windlass rods share near identical rigidity, the overall design of the hardware differs significantly.
The NAR tourniquet is 3 inches longer than the Rhino Rescue so if you’ve never skipped a leg day, this could be a significant factor for you to consider.
The Rhino Rescue tourniquet employs a more robust polymer overall (increased thickness), and its windlass clip is reinforced with additional polymer triangulation.
Moreover, each edge is smoother when compared to the NAR, addressing the pinching issue that is often encountered during tourniquet application.
Both tourniquets require approximately 2 – 2.5 turns to maximum pressure when applied correctly.
Embracing my inner nerd, I reached for my digital caliper and delved into measurements. Here’s what I uncovered.
| North American Rescue CAT | Rhino Rescue CAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Windlass Clip | 2.47mm | 3.1mm |
| Stabilization Plate | 1.78mm | 2.5mm |
| Windlass Rod | 12.7mm | 12.7mm |
| Single Routing Buckle | 3.6mm | 5.1mm |
Concluding Thoughts
Above all, choose the one that you’re most comfortable with. It’s crucial to note that this isn’t to diminish the NAR’s reputation—it has already proven its reliability, and that’s indisputable.
I’m also confident that the Rhino Rescue CAT stands as a high-quality and cost-effective alternative that will reliably perform if the need arises, and the attractive price point enables me to purchase them in bulk without hesitation.
As of writing this, the NAR CAT is $35.99 each or $59.99 for a two pack.
In a stark contrast, the Rhino Rescue CAT is $35.99 for a four pack.
Disclaimer:
* I am not a medical professional or certified in first-aid. The content presented here is solely based on our opinions and observations.
* Every link provided in this article is free of sponsorship or affiliation. We don’t make anything from sharing with you.