Tourniquet device

Abstract

A tourniquet 1 for restricting the flow of blood in a body part, comprising a strap 3 for encircling a body part having a first and second end, tensioning means 4 and a fastening means comprising a pl

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tourniquet for restricting blood flow to a limb or extremity. In particular, the present invention relates to a tourniquet having a fastening means comprising a magnetic means which allows faster and easier one handed application of the tourniquet. Background to the Invention Loss of blood remains a major cause of death in emergency situations. In many situations the casualty is alone or medical assistance is not immediately available. There are a number of devices which can be used to stop bleeding dependent on where the injury is located on the body. The include haemostatic devices and tourniquets. The use of a tourniquet to stop blood loss is usually administered for injuries located on a limb such as an injured arm or leg whereas haemostatic devices are generally used where tourniquets cannot be used, such as junctional areas of the body such as the groin area. Typically, there are two scenarios which a casualty can find themselves in, alone or with support. When alone the casualty must be able to apply the life saving tourniquet to the injured limb using one hand only. Traditionally tourniquets were required to be tightly wound and tied around the limb making this very difficult and putting the life of the casualty in danger when alone due to uncontrolled bleeding. Over several years a number of advancements in tourniquets have tried to address this issue. These include the use of threading a strap through a buckle and then tightening using a twisting action and handle. However, in a trauma situation this relies heavily on the patient having enough mental strength to stay calm and thread the strap. If this is not achieved, the design can lead to slow application and increase risk of life. Alternatively, further tourniquets have been designed to address this issue using a self-clinching buckle and a hook such that rather than threading the strap, the two ends of the system are hooked together and then tightened. However, whilst an advancement on the previous designs, this design still relies on concentration to accurately locate the buckle and hook in a casualty that is injured in a stressful situation and so is potentially prone to error in fastening and thus delayed treatment. Moreover, existing tourniquets can be difficult to adjust precisely, leading to either insufficient pressure, which fails to stop the bleeding, or excessive pressure, which can cause additional tissue damage and complications. The need for a tourniquet that can be easily and effectively applied with one hand has become increasingly apparent in both civilian emergency medical services and military settings. Further considerations of a torniquet are the use and end users. Most are used and carried by the military, EMS or first aid responders and so need to have a small footprint and be lightweight. Therefore, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a tourniquet with improved ease of application, in particular one handed application. It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a lightweight and / or low profile tourniquet that can be more easily and rapidly applied, in particular using one hand. It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a tourniquet which allows for application and / or adjustment of pressure, in particular one handed application and / or adjustment of pressure. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a tourniquet having an improved fastening means which allows for application and / or adjustment with one hand. It is also an aim of embodiments of the invention to overcome at least one problem of the prior art, whether expressly disclosed herein or not. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tourniquet for restricting the flow of blood in a body part, the tourniquet comprising: a strap for encircling a body part having a first and second end; a tensioning means; and a fastening means comprising a plug attached to a first end of the strap and a socket attached to a second end of the strap; wherein the fastening means comprises a magnetic means configured to form a magnetic attraction between the plug and the socket such that when the plug and socket are brought together into close proximity, the magnetic means assists in the connection of the plug and the socket. Beneficially, the tourniquet of the present invention can be operated by a user with only one hand. For example, the magnetic means of the fastening means helps align the two ends of the tourniquet automatically. This is particularly useful when the user is operating the device with one hand, as it reduces the need for precise manual alignment. Additionally, the magnetic attraction allows for quick and effortless fastening, which is crucial in emergency situations. The magnetic means may be a magnet and / or a magnetic material. The term “magnet” is used herein to refer to a material that produces a magnetic field, which is able to attract another magnetic material. Preferably, the magnet is a permanent magnet. The term “magnetic material” is used herein to refer to any material which exhibits magnetic properties. The magnetic material may be a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material may be selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, cobalt, steel, and combinations thereof. Preferably, both the plug and socket comprise a magnet and / or a magnetic material. The magnet and / or magnetic material of the plug is configured to attract the magnet and / or magnetic material of the socket. Most preferably, both the plug and socket comprise a permanent magnet. In such an embodiment, both magnets are directed towards each other with opposite poles. The force of the magnets and / or magnetic material should be sufficient to establish an attraction force between the plug and the socket when in close proximity. In one embodiment, the force of the magnets and / or magnetic material is sufficient to secure the plug and socket during use of the device. In such an embodiment, the magnetic means may be configured such that the attraction of the magnetic means may be weakened when the plug and socket are moved in an opening direction. By the term “opening direction” it is used herein to refer to the direction of movement along which the plug and socket are moved apart to release the components when the fastening means is in a closed position. In one embodiment, the plug may comprise one or more protruding par ts. In one embodiment, the socket may comprise one or more recesses. Preferably, the plug comprises a protruding part and the socket comprises a recess. In such an embodiment, the protruding part is shaped to fit into the recess of the socket. A magnet and / or magnetic material may be located on the protruding part of the plug and / or the recess of the socket. In such an embodiment, the magnet and / or magnetic material may be located on a surface of the protruding part and / or on the underside of the protruding part and / or within the protruding part. The magnet and / or magnetic material may be located on a surface of the recess and / or on the underside of the recess and / or within the recess. Preferably, a magnet and / or magnetic material is located on both the protruding part of the plug and the recess of the socket. The protruding part and / ox- recess may be substantially in the shape of a regular polygon selected from the group consisting of square, rectangle, circle, triangle, oval, pentagon, and hexagon. Preferably, the protruding part and / or recess is substantially circular or ovular. Beneficially, the provision of a circular or ovular protruding part and / or recess ensures easy insertion of the part into the socket and ensures a larger surface area for interaction between the protruding part and the recess. Preferably, the protruding part and the recess are substantially the same shape. This facilitates better interaction between the two components. In one embodiment, the plug and socket are configured to mechanically connect. In such an embodiment, the fastening means may comprise a mechanical fastening means. The mechanical fastening means may be any suitable mechanical fastening means known in the art. Preferably, the plug and socket may be configured to mechanically connect through a spring loaded fastening means. In such an embodiment, the recess comprises one or more spring loaded components. The spring loaded component may be a protrusion or projection located within the recess. Preferably, the spring loaded component is a spring loaded projection located on a side of the recess. Preferably, the recess comprises two spring loaded projections located on either side of the recess. The spring loaded projections may be configured to secure the protruding part in the recess when in the closed position through engagement with the surface of the protruding part. In the above embodiment, when the plug is inserted into the socket, the protruding part is configured to laterally depress the spring loaded projections. Upon full insertion of the plug into the socket, the protruding part is configured to release the spring loaded projections thereby securing the plug in the socket through engagement of the released spring loaded projections with the surface of the protruding part. The spring loaded projections prevent vertical release of the protruding part from the recess. The protruding pail may further have one or more projections on a surface thereof. The projections may be designed to mechanically interact with the recess. Beneficially, this mechanical interaction helps further secure the plug and socket when in the closed position. The spring loaded component may further comprise one or more projections on a surface thereof. The one or more projections may be configured to interact and further secure the protruding part and recess when the fastening means is in the closed position. The fastening means may be configured to release the plug and socket when the plug and socket are pulled apart in an opening direction. Preferably, the opening direction is a south direction relative to the length of the strap. Preferably, the fastening means is configured to release the plug and socket when pulled apart in a south direction relative to the length of the strap. Preferably still, the fastening means is configured to only release the plug and socket when the socket is moved in a south sliding motion relative to the length of the strap. In a preferred embodiment, when in the closed position, the fastening means is unable to be released in any direction other than the opening direction. In the above embodiments, the protruding part is mechanically secured from release within the recess in every direction other than the opening direction. This allows sole release of the fastening means via movement in the opening direction. In such an embodiment, only the magnetic means is configured to secure the fastening means from release via movement in the opening direction. The unidirectional nature of the fastening means ensures that it can be released only when the components are aligned and moved in the intended direction. Beneficially, this prevents accidental unfastening and increases the robustness of the fastening means such that it can withstand the pressures of a tourniquet system. In one embodiment, the fastening means may also comprise a guiding means. The guiding means may be configured to guide the plug into and / or out of the socket. The plug and / or socket may comprise a guiding means. Beneficially, the provision of a guiding means on the plug and / or socket helps guide the plug into the socket when the plug and socket are brought in close proximity. Additionally, the guiding means helps to move the plug and socket away from each other when moved in an opening direction, together with preventing release of the plug in any direction other than the opening direction. In a preferred embodiment, both the plug and socket comprise a guiding means. In a preferred embodiment, the guiding means may be configured to guide a protruding part of the plug into and / or out of a recess of the socket. In one embodiment, the guiding means may be provided by one or more channels and / or one or more raised regions on the surface of the plug and / or socket. Preferably, the socket comprises a guiding means in the form of a channel and the plug comprises a raised region having a complementary profile to the channel. In such an embodiment, upon insertion of the plug into the channel the lateral edges of the raised region engage with the lateral edges of the channel. Beneficially, this prevents release of the plug from the socket in a direction along the length of the strap. In a preferred embodiment, the socket comprises a guiding means in the form of a channel formed by two raised projections along each lateral edge of the socket. The plug comprises a raised region having a complementary profile to the channel such that upon insertion of the plug into the channel the lateral edges of the raised region engage with the lateral edges of the channel. Beneficially, the guiding means ensures easy alignment of the plug and socket, thereby allowing the tourniquet to be fastened more quickly and easily, which is essential in the application of the present invention. Moreover, the guiding means prevents release of the plug in a direction parallel to the length of the strap. Preferably, the fastening means is suitable to withstand pressures of at least 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, or most preferably at least 300N. In such embodiments, the tourniquet comprises one or more materials capable of withstanding the above pressures. Preferably, the tourniquet consists of materials capable of withstanding the above pressures. Beneficially, the ability of the fastening means to withstand the above pressures ensures that the fastening means remains fastened even when subjected to the high pressures exerted in a tourniquet device. This prevents the unintended release of pressure. By “withstand” it is meant herein it means that the fastening means is capable of resisting and enduring applied forces whilst maintaining its functional integrity without failure. This includes resisting axial and lateral forces, maintaining engagement and preserving structural integrity. The force required to pull apart the fastening means in all directions other than the opening direction is greater- than the forces exerted on the fastening means during use of the device. Beneficially, this ensures that the fastening means does not open unintentionally, thereby releasing the pressure applied by the device. The fastening means and / or components of the fastening means may comprise or consist of a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers (such as polycarbonate), Aluminium, stainless steel, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the tourniquet may comprise a second fastening means. The second fastening means may be any suitable fastening means known in the art. In one embodiment, the second fastening means may be selected from the group consisting of a strap, sprung pin, see-saw spring latch, rivet, quarter turn lock, bayonet lock, screw lock, snap-in lock, push-pull lock, latch lock or lever lock. Beneficially, the second fastening means further ensures that the tourniquet does not release pressure if the first fastening means is compromised and / or released. For example, it is possible that during patient evacuation or transport, limb movement could inadvertently cause directional force, which in some rare cases may open the tourniquet resulting in serious and potentially life-threatening bleeding. The tensioning means may be any suitable tensioning means known in the art. In one embodiment, the tensioning means may be selected from the group consisting of a windlass, ratchet buckle, dial mechanism, pneumatic hand pump, and a wide stretch band. The tensioning means is configured to apply pressure to the strap. In one embodiment, the tensioning means may be configured to apply a pressure of at least 90, 95,100, 105, 110,115,120, 125, 130,135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160,165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195, 200, 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, 245, 250 mmHg. The tensioning means may be configured to apply a pressure of no more than 350, 345, 340, 335, 330, 325, 320, 315, 310, 305, 300, 295, 290, 285, 280, 275, 270, 265, 260, 255, 250, 245, 240, 235, 230, 225, 220, 215, 210, 205, 200 mmHg. The tensioning means may be configured to apply a pressure of from 100 - 350, 100 - 340, 100 - 320, 100 - 300, 100 - 280, 100 - 260, 100 - 240, 100 - 220, 100 - 200, 120 - 350, 120 - 340, 120 - 320, 120 - 300, 120 - 280, 120 - 260, 120 - 240, 120 - 220, 120 - 200, 140 - 350, 140 - 340, 140 - 320, 140 - 300, 140 - 280, 140 - 260, 140 - 240, 140 - 220, 140 - 200, 160 - 350, 160 - 340, 160 - 320, 160 - 300, 160 - 280, 160 - 260, 160 - 240, 160 - 220, 160 - 200, 180 - 350, 180 - 340, 180 - 320, 180 - 300, 180 - 280, 180 - 260, 180 - 240, 180 - 220, 180 - 200, 200 - 350, 200 - 340, 200 - 320, 200 - 300, 200 - 280, 200 - 260, 200 - 240, 200 - 220, 220 - 350, 220 - 340, 220 - 320, 220 - 300, 220 - 280, 220 - 260, 220 - 240, 240 - 350, 240 - 340, 240 - 320, 240 - 300, 240 - 280, 240 - 260, 250 - 350, 250 - 340, 250 - 320, 250 - 300, 250 - 280, or from 250 - 260 mmHg. The strap may comprise or consists of a material selected from the group consisting of viscose, thermoplastic elastomers (such as polyurethane), cotton, leather, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, elastic webbing, Kevlar, silicone, and combinations thereof. The strap is configured to withstand significant tension without breaking, whilst also demonstrating appropriate elasticity to conform to a limb. The strap may have a length of from 20 - 150, 20 - 140, 20 - 130, 20 - 120, 20 - 110, 20 - 100, 20 - 90, 20 - 80, 20 - 70, 30 - 150, 30 - 140, 30 - 130, 30 - 120, 30 -110, 30 - 100, 30 - 90, 30 - 80, 30 - 70, 40 - 150, 40 - 140, 40 - 130, 40 - 120, 40 - 110, 40 - 100, 40 - 90, 40 - 80, 40 - 70, 50 - 150, 50 - 140, 50 - 130, 50 - 120, 50 - 110, 50 - 100, 50 - 90, 50 - 80, 50 - 70, 60 - 150, 60 - 140, 60 - 130, 60 - 120, 60 - 110, 60 - 100, 60 - 90, 60 - 80, 60 - 70, 70 - 150, 70 - 140, 70 - 130, 70 - 120, 70 - 110, 70 - 100, 70 - 90, 70 - 80, 80 - 150, 80 - 140, 80 - 130, 80 - 120, 80 - 110, 80 - 100, 80 - 90, 90 - 150, 90 - 140, 90 - 130, 90 - 120, 90 - 110, 90 - 100, 100 - 150, 100 - 140, 100 - 130, 100 -120, or from 100 - 110 cm. The strap may comprise one or more adjustment means for altering the length of the strap. The adjustment means may be any suitable adjustment means known in the art. In one embodiment, the adjustment means may be selected from the group consisting of a triglide buckle, ladderlock buckle, slide buckle D ring and slide bar, cam buckle, and combinations thereof. The tourniquet may further comprise a quick release means. The quick release means may be any suitable quick release means known in the art suitable for quickly releasing the tension in a tourniquet. Preferably, the quick release means is a push or pull release latch. Beneficially, the provision of a quick release means allows the quick removal of the device when required. The tourniquet of the present invention may be manufactured by any suitable means known in the art. In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising a tourniquet according to a first aspect of the present invention and at least one additional component. The additional component may be selected from the group consisting of a syringe, gloves, a tray, one or more swab sticks, flush syringe, dressing, gauze sponges, adhesive bandage, tape, one or more blood collection tubes, alcohol, one or more antiseptic wipes, surgical or face mask, IV tubing extension set, a medicament, and any combinations thereof. In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tourniquet according to the first aspect of the present invention for use in the restriction of blood flow to a body part, preferably a limb. In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a tourniquet according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) encircling the strap around a body part of the user; b) closing the fastening means to secure the device around the body part; and c) applying pressure to the strap via the tensioning means. Preferably, the body part is a limb. In one embodiment, the step of closing the fastening means comprises bringing the plug and socket into close proximity to allow the magnetic means to form a magnetic attraction between the plug and the socket and thereby assist in the connection of the plug and socket. The further aspects of the present invention may incorporate any of the features of the other aspects of the invention described herein as desired or as appropriate. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a tourniquet according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an open position. Figure 2 shows an internal view of the fastening means of a tourniquet according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows a tourniquet according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a closed position. Figure 4 shows the fastening means of the tourniquet of the present invention being moved in an opening direction. In Figure 1. a front view of a tourniquet 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in the open position. The tourniquet comprises a fastening means 2, a strap 3 and a tensioning means 4. The fastening means comprises a plug 5 and socket 6. The plug 5 comprises a substantially circular protruding part 7. The circular protruding part also comprises a further projection 8 on its surface. As shown in Figure 2, the socket 6 comprises a substantially circular recess 9. The recess 9 further comprises two spring loaded projections 10a, 10b on its edge to mechanically engage the surface of the protruding part 7 when the fastening means 2 is in the close position. The base of the recess 9 also comprises two projections 14a, 14b to mechanically engage with the protruding part 7 when the fastening means is in the closed position. As shown best in Figure 2, the plug 5 and socket 6 also both comprises a guiding means Ila, 1 lb. The plug 5 comprises a guiding means Ila in the form of a raised region extending from the edge of the plug 5 to the protruding part 7. The socket 6 comprises a guiding means 1 lb in the form of channel formed by two raised regions 12a, 12b along each lateral edge of the socket 6. The channel leads to the recess 9 of the socket 6. The profile of the raised region 1 la of the plug 5 is complementary to the profile of the channel 1 lb of the socket 6. The components of the fastening means 2 are manufactured from a thermoplastic polymer and is able to withstand a force of greater than 350N in all directions other than the opening direction Y (shown in Figure 4). The strap 3 is manufactured from nylon and comprises an elongate piece of fabric suitable for encircling a body part. The strap comprises a first end having a plug 5 attached thereto and a second end having a socket 6 attached thereto. The strap also comprises an adjustment means 13 for adjusting the length of the strap. Typically, the strap has a length of from 20-150cm. The tensioning means 4 is a windlass having a windlass rod 14 and a windlass clip 15 to apply pressure to the device. The windlass is able to apply of pressure of from 100 - 350 mmHg. The fastening means 2 also comprises a magnetic means (not shown). The magnetic means is provided by a magnet located on the underside of the engaging component 7 and a magnet located on the base of the recess 9. The magnets create a magnetic attraction force between the plug 5 and socket 6 and help to guide the plug 5 and socket 6 towards each other when placed in close proximity. In order to close the fastening means 2, the socket 6 is brought into close proximity with the plug 5, which causes the plug 5 and socket 6 to be pulled together via the magnetic attraction of the magnetic means. During insertion, the protruding part 7 of the plug 5 laterally depresses the spring loaded projections 10a, 10b allowing the protruding part 7 to enter the recess 9. Upon full insertion of the protruding part 7 into the recess 9, the spring loaded projections 10a, 10b are released thereby engaging the surface of the protruding part 7 and mechanically securing the plug in the recess 9. Moreover, the projections 8, 14a, 14b on the protruding part 7 and the base of the recess 9 further assist in the securing of the fastening means 2. Once connected, the guiding means Ila, 11b prevent release of the plug 5 in either direction along the length of the strap 3. The fastening means 2 in the closed position is shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, in order to open the fastening means 2, a sliding movement is applied in the opening direction Y, thereby causing the protruding part 7 to slide out of the recess 9. The application of force in any direction other than the closing direction Y does not result in release of the protruding part 7 from the recess 9. In use, the tourniquet 1 is applied to a limb by wrapping the strap around the patient's limb and securing and affixing the plug 5 and socket 6 by bringing the plug 5 and socket 6 into close proximity, thereby causing the magnetic means to pull together and insert the plug 5 into the socket 6. Once secured, tension is applied to the tourniquet using the tensioning means 3. Beneficially, the tourniquet of the present invention is lightweight and has a low profile whilst also providing improved one handed application and use. In a second embodiment of the present invention (not shown), there is provided a tourniquet as described above but including a second fastening means. The second fastening means is in the form of a see-saw spring latch which acts as a second fastening means to secure the strap together. The device also comprises a quick release mechanism in the form of push or pull release latch. The quick release mechanism allows the quick release of pressure from the device. Beneficially, the tourniquet of the second embodiment can be more quickly removed due to the quick release mechanism and the see-saw spring latch ensures that the tourniquet does not release pressure if the first fastening means is compromised and / or released. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tourniquet for restricting the flow of blood in a body part, the tourniquet comprising:a strap for encircling a body part having a first and second end;a tensioning means; anda fastening means comprising a plug attached to a first end of the strap and a socket attached to a second end of the strap;wherein the fastening means comprises a magnetic means configured to form a magnetic attraction between the plug and the socket such that when the plug and socket are brought together into close proximity, the magnetic means assists in the connection of the plug and the socket.

2. A tourniquet according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic means is a magnet and / or magnetic material.

3. A tourniquet according to claim 2, wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet.

4. A tourniquet according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic material is a ferromagnetic material selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, cobalt, steel, and combinations thereof.

5. A tourniquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug comprises a protruding part and the socket comprises a recess.

6. A tourniquet according to claim 5, wherein the magnet and / or magnetic material is located on the protruding part of the plug and / or the recess of the socket.

7. A tourniquet according to any one of claims 5-6, wherein the protruding part and / or recess is substantially circular or ovular.

8. A tourniquet according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the protruding part and the recess are substantially the same shape.

9. A tourniquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening means comprises a mechanical fastening means for securing the plug and socket.

10. A tourniquet according to claim 9, wherein the fastening means comprises a spring loaded fastening means.

11. A tourniquet according to claim 10, wherein the recess comprises one or more spring loaded projections located on a side of the recess.

12. A tourniquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening means is configured to release the plug and socket when the plug and socket are pulled apart in an opening direction, preferably wherein the opening direction is a south direction relative to the length of the strap.

13. A tourniquet according to any one of claim 12, wherein when in the closed position, the fastening means is unable to be released in any direction other than the opening direction.

14. A tourniquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening means is suitable to withstand pressures of at least 90N.

15. A tourniquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the force required to pull apart the fastening means in all directions other than the opening direction is greater than the forces exerted on the fastening means during use of the device.

16. A tourniquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastening means comprise a guiding means configured to guide the plug into the socket.

17. A tourniquet according to claim 16, wherein the guiding means is provided by one or more channels and / or one or more raised regions on the surface of the plug and / or socket.

18. A tourniquet according to claim 17, wherein the socket comprises a guiding means in the form of a channel and the plug comprises a raised region having a complementary profile to the channel.

19. A tourniquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the tourniquet comprises a second fastening means selected from the group consisting of a strap, sprung pin, see-saw spring latch, rivet, quarter torn lock, bayonet lock, screw lock, snap-in lock, push-pull lock, latch lock or lever lock.

20. A tourniquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the tensioning means is selected from the group consisting of a windlass, ratchet buckle, dial mechanism, pneumatic hand pump, and a wide stretch band.

21. A tourniquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the tensioning means is configured to apply a pressure of from 100 - 350 mmHg.

22. A tourniquet according to any preceding claim, wherein the tourniquet further comprises a quick release means.

23. A tourniquet according to claim 22, wherein the quick release means is a push or pull release latch.

24. A kit comprising a tourniquet according to any one of claims 1-23 and at least one additional component.

25. A kit according to claim 24, wherein the additional component is selected from the group consisting of a syringe, gloves, a tray, one or more swab sticks, flush syringe, dressing, gauze sponges, adhesive bandage, tape, one or more blood collection tubes, alcohol, one or more antiseptic wipes, surgical or face mask, IV tubing extension set, a medicament, and any combinations thereof.

26. A tourniquet according to any one of claims 1-23 for use in the restriction of blood flow to a body part, preferably a limb.

27. A method of using the tourniquet according to any one of claims 1-23, the method comprising the steps of:a) encircling the strap around a body part of the user;b) closing the fastening means to secure the device around the body part; andc) applying pressure to the strap via the tensioning means.

Images