Best Alternative to SWAT-T? Slishman Pressure Wrap Vs. SWAT-T
“RBT” means rubber band tourniquet. Really anything elastic falls into this category and they have existed since Dr. Esmark’s tourniquet from the 1800s. SWAT-Ts are similar to Esmark tourniquets in that they are long strips of wide, flat, elastic rubber. SWAT-Ts are made with thicker material and they have stamped markings, which are meant to indicate adequate tension.
However, if every rectangle is stretched to a square, and every oval to a circle, on a small limb the pressure generated when fully wrapped will be much higher than it will be on a large limb. So the indicators are mainly a reminder to users that they should really stretch the material hard for it to work properly.
SWAT-Ts can be used for other applications that don’t involve bleeding; holding ice packs for example. But most importantly, the SWAT-T is marketed as the name says, a tourniquet.
Slishman Pressure Wraps on the other ha are meant for application of direct pressure. They are intended for less trained or untrained users. It is recommended they be used for application of direct pressure to bleeding or other types of wounds.
Objective differences of Slishman Pressure Wrap vs. SWAT-T
Slishman Pressure Wraps at 1oz are one third the weight of SWAT-Ts.
They are narrower at 1.6” but also longer. 5.6’ Vs. 4.6’ for the SWAT-T.
Slishman Pressure Wraps offer a slip sleeve, which allows one handed application. This also makes them great for veterinary use. The loop of the cinch can also be turned into a girth hitch for wrapping an entrapped limb.
Four Velcro tabs are sewn along the length of the fabric of the SPW, which helps to maintain its position. This makes application when wet or slippery easier as well.
Velcro at the end of the fabric holds it in place, but also makes fine adjustment easier. The SWAT-T requires tucking, as the name says.
Slishman Pressure Wraps have an area to write the application time on the label.
In terms of durability, there is no contest. Slishman Pressure Wraps are made with ripstop material. They can endure numerous bullet holes even. A small nick to a SWAT-T can rapidly propagate through the material leading to product failure.
Slishman Pressure Wraps are multi tools as well with numerous additional medical and nonmedical uses. For children, canines, and untrained civilians, SPWs offer numerous advantages.
The Slishman Pressure Wrap is easy to self-apply.
A bleeding control device should not just work in a well lit room while seated. It should work when hands are shaking, in dark rooms, with snow, mud, blood and sweaty skin. The SPW requires minimal fine motor dexterity.
Comparison videos:
Discussion about Slishman Pressure Wrap Vs. SWAT-T, some history and a destruction test
Who should consider the Slishman Pressure Wrap?
parents
teachers
students
preppers
untrained civilians
everyone else
If you are looking for an alternative to the SWAT-T, please consider Slishman Pressure Wraps.
Learn more on the Slishman Pressure Wrap product page.