Frequently asked questions

If you cut open the most widely used TQ by LE and militaries around the world you'll find that it's only a 1" wide piece of inner webbing that's doing the constricting. The outer 1.5" sleeve does not constrict. Don't believe us, try tightening one of those on a foam roller next to the ETQ for 30 min. You'll see they leave the same imprint. 1" wide. 1" has been good enough to stop the bleed for years. If you want a wider TQ, take a look at our ETQ Wide.

We kept small diameter limbs in mind during the design process. It can constrict down to 1" diameter, which is significantly smaller than other TQs, making it a great option for children and dogs.

The ETQ Gen 2 is offered in Gray, Orange, Ranger Green and Blue.

The ETQ and ETQ Wide have been proven to cut off blood flow using doppler and ultrasound at a level 5 trauma unit. We went through extensive testing of its durability and windlass strength in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, we're currently working with several universities to conduct independent, published, clinical trials on our ETQs.

The Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) develops evidence-based recommendations for battlefield trauma care and the equipment used to support it. CoTCCC recommendation is not the same thing as FDA clearance, a government certification, or a general determination that every product not appearing on its recommended-device list is ineffective. Rather, it is a specific recommendation made through the CoTCCC review process for use within the TCCC system. Snakestaff’s ETQ and ETQ Wide are not currently CoTCCC-recommended tourniquets, and we do not represent them as such. The current generation of Snakestaff tourniquets was developed after the most recent comprehensive CoTCCC tourniquet review. Since then, we have continued to develop the ETQ platform around the performance characteristics important in an effective windlass tourniquet, including reliable arterial occlusion, rapid application, secure mechanical construction, and ease of use. The ETQ Wide was additionally designed with a 1.5-inch-wide constricting band and for applications where a wider tourniquet may be desirable. Our approach has been to build the supporting evidence rather than make claims ahead of it. Snakestaff has conducted and commissioned performance testing of the ETQ platform, including human-subject testing using Doppler and ultrasound confirmation of arterial occlusion, and we continue to collect data and real-world use experience. If and when CoTCCC establishes an applicable pathway for evaluation of the current ETQ platform, our goal is to have the documentation and evidence necessary for it to be evaluated on its performance.

We do not ship directly to international customers. International customers will be able to make purchases through dealers in their own country or region at a later date.

While tourniquets are inherently a one-time use item we stand behind our product. ETQs come with a lifetime warranty covering any manufacturing defects. This does not include repeated use as a trainer. Contact us for warranty and returns.

We get hundreds of requests for free evaluation samples every day. Unfortunately, we can't afford to send free samples to everyone. We may send samples to those representing medical, law enforcement, and military organizations but not to individuals. Requests must be made by organizational leadership or via memorandum on agency letterhead signed by agency leadership.

We are now offering first responder discounts. Contact sales@snakestaffsystems.com from your agency or department email address to be verified.

If you're interested in becoming a Snakestaff Systems dealer, please email sales@snakestaffsystems.com.

Please email sales@snakestaffsystems.com to be added to our notification list when we're ready for your country or region.