Solutions to win: Ministry of Defense develops tourniquet requirements to meet NATO standards

The Ministry of Defense has started developing technical and functional requirements for tourniquets, which align with current NATO standards.

The Ministry of Defense's press service reports this.

What is the problem?

"Our task is to make pre-medical care on the battlefield as effective as possible by adapting and implementing advanced international standards," Oksana Sukhorukova, head of the Department of Health Care of the Ministry of Defense, said.

What is the solution?

"The development of requirements for tourniquets and their certification in accordance with NATO standards is key in our strategy," Sukhorukova noted.

Therefore, the Ministry of Defense initiated the development of technical and functional requirements for tourniquets in accordance with modern NATO standards.

How does it work?

It should be noted that the department's main focus was on developing requirements for:

• different types of tourniquets,
• occlusive thoracic bandages,

• and methods for evaluating their adherence to global standards.

To implement this task, the Ministry of Defense actively cooperates with international partners, particularly the NATO Combat Trauma Committee (CTC).

The Department of Health Care studies the best practices of NATO member countries. They have contacted the defense attachés at Ukrainian embassies to learn about the quality standards for hemostatic tourniquets.

Based on the received data, the department evaluated its options for creating the necessary technical and functional specifications for mechanical products to halt bleeding.

In addition, the Ministry of Defense submitted an application to the NATO Science & Technology Organization for a grant to create a laboratory for testing tourniquets and first aid equipment.

For reference:

The Ministry of Defense collaborates with the Main Directorate of Doctrine and Training of the General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces to enhance military personnel training programs. Specifically, the Department of Health Care has suggested revisions to the basic military training program to improve education on pre-medical care and further enhance the effectiveness of training Ukrainian military personnel.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Defense put into operation the first underground stabilization point for Ukraine's armed forces, which can assist more than 100 wounded.