The SAM XT from SAM Medical is a windlass tourniquet for life-threatening arm and leg bleeding, recommended by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) since 2019. Its TRUFORCE buckle auto-locks once the strap is pulled snug, removing slack so fewer windlass turns are needed, and the rod is machined 6061-T6 aluminum rather than plastic. This tactical black model suits law enforcement, EMS and civilians building a serious trauma kit.
Where it fits
- Get Home Bag or Go Bag: 3.8 oz and about 7.25 in long packaged
- Range bag, duty belt or plate carrier: tactical black for low visibility
- Vehicle or home trauma kit: add a dedicated tourniquet to a basic first aid kit
Key specs
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Manufacturer: SAM Medical
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Model: SAM XT, Tactical Black (SAM-XT-M)
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Recommendation: On the CoTCCC recommended tourniquet list (added 2019)
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Buckle: TRUFORCE auto-lock buckle, activates at about 22 lb of applied force
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Windlass: Machined 6061-T6 aluminum rod, single rivet, C-hook lock
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Strap: Single-layer nylon Precision Strap with locking holes plus hook and loop backup
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Limb circumference: 5.5 to 35 in (13.9 to 88.9 cm)
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Packaged size: 7.25 x 2.5 x 1.5 in
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Weight: 3.8 oz (108 g)
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Durability: Meets MIL-STD 810G
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Other features: Night vision optimized tab and weather-resistant time band
What's in the box
One SAM XT Extremity Tourniquet in tactical black.
How it compares
The SAM XT and the C-A-T Gen 7 (offered in True Rescue kits) are both CoTCCC recommended windlass tourniquets; the SAM XT adds the auto-locking buckle and metal windlass. The MyMedic SOF Tactical Tourniquet and AMK Trauma Tourniquet are other windlass options, while the SWAT-T is a lighter elastic wrap better suited to small limbs and pressure dressings.
What owners and reviewers say
“The locking mechanism worked perfectly and never jammed.” Johannes Kouba, Militär Aktuell
Questions people ask
Is the SAM XT tourniquet CoTCCC approved?
Yes. SAM Medical announced in May 2019 that the SAM XT was added to the CoTCCC list of recommended tourniquets.
What makes the SAM XT different from a C-A-T tourniquet?
The SAM XT uses a TRUFORCE buckle that auto-locks when the strap is pulled tight, removing slack before you turn the windlass, and it uses a machined aluminum windlass rod.
What size limbs does the SAM XT fit?
Its buckle locks within a circumference range of 5.5 to 35 in, covering most adult arms and legs.
Do I need training to use a tourniquet?
Training such as a Stop the Bleed course is strongly recommended so you can apply a tourniquet and pack a wound correctly under stress.
