TissueDB/Simulators/Tourniquet Simulator

The Tourniquet Simulator is a low-cost trainer built from locally available wood, PVC pipe and hardware for practising tourniquet application to control life-threatening extremity haemorrhage in trauma and prehospital care.^[1] Developed by CrashSavers, it pairs a wood-frame model — two PVC half-pipes as the limb surface over a spring-compressed latex-hose fluid circuit — with a mobile self-assessment app: applying a tourniquet to the surface compresses the springs onto the hose and stops the simulated blood flow, giving the learner immediate visual feedback of effective occlusion.^[2] Original build instructions are at the CrashSavers Tourniquet Simulator page and the Step-by-Step Building Manual (PDF).

• Parts Reference
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• Source PDF: Simple Tourniquet Simulator — Step by Step Building Manual
• Wood cutting diagrams: Wood Diagrams (external link) or see Section 4.1.1 of the PDF above.

For complete tools list, see the Step-by-Step Building Manual (PDF).

Step 1: Cut all wood pieces to the dimensions specified in the Structural Parts table above. Use the wood cutting diagrams for precise measurements and hole positions. Sand all cut edges with 400-grit sandpaper.

Step 2: Drill all holes in each wood piece per the diagrams. W-1: 2 × Ø5.0 mm (3/16 in). W-2: 5 × Ø5.0 mm (3/16 in). W-3: 3 × Ø6.0 mm (1/4 in) + 2 × Ø5.0 mm (3/16 in). W-4: 2 × Ø5.0 mm (3/16 in). W-5: 2 × Ø5.0 mm (3/16 in). W-7: 2 × Ø5.0 mm (3/16 in).

Step 3: Prepare PVC half-pipes: Cut a 10 cm (4 in) PVC pipe lengthwise into two equal halves. Sand cut edges smooth.

Step 4: Cut springs: Cut the 30 cm spring into 4 equal pieces. These become the R-1 compression springs.

Safety note: Wear appropriate safety gear (eye protection, gloves) during all cutting and drilling operations.

Step 1: Assemble the base frame rectangle using 2× W-1 (long sides) and 2× W-2 (short sides) per dimensions in the Structural Parts table above. Secure corners with S-1 screws (3.0 mm × 4.5 cm (1/8 × 1-3/4 in)) and 3.0 mm (1/8 in) nuts.

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Step 2: Attach a second layer of W-1 and W-2 pieces on top of the first layer, creating a double-height rectangular frame. Secure with additional S-1 screws. This doubled frame provides rigidity.

Step 3: Insert three S-3 screws (4.0 mm × 8.0 cm (5/32 × 3 in)) vertically through W-3's three Ø6.0 mm holes to create three vertical posts in a row along the crosspiece's centerline. Secure with 4.0 mm (5/32 in) nuts on the underside.

Step 4: Verify W-3 is rigidly attached as a fixed crosspiece spanning the rectangle's interior, with three vertical posts arrayed along its length.

Step 5: Attach the two W-4 horizontal base beams (40 mm (1.6 in) wide stock) to the frame using S-2 screws (3.0 mm × 8.0 cm (1/8 × 3 in)) per dimensions in the Structural Parts table above. These run horizontally and form the main structural base for supporting the PVC half-pipes above.

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Step 6: Build the frame walls — attach additional wood pieces to create the enclosure sides.

Step 7: Install W-7 as a transverse cross-brace for structural rigidity.

Step 8: Verify W-3 crosspiece assembly: confirm three S-3 vertical posts protrude upward from W-3 with 4.0 mm nuts secured underneath, ready to receive the spring stack and W-5 compression plates in Step 10.

Step 9: Place the two PVC half-pipe sections onto the frame. These form the simulated limb surface onto which the learner applies the tourniquet.

Step 10: Install the spring compression guide mechanism using FS-1 flat head screws (3.0 mm × 8.0 cm (1/8 × 3 in)) and the four W-5 guide plates. Load the four R-1 springs (4.0 mm × 4.0 cm (5/32 × 1.6 in)) between the guide plates. This mechanism provides resistance when the tourniquet compresses the PVC half-pipe down onto the springs.

Step 11: Final mechanical assembly — secure the PVC half-pipes to the frame. Verify that springs are properly tensioned and that pressing down on the PVC surface compresses the springs smoothly. The mechanical system is complete.

• Fluid System Components and Tools
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Step 1: Insert one end of the latex hose (5 mm (3/16 in) diameter) into the fumigator (pump sprayer) nozzle. Wrap the connection with Teflon tape to create a watertight seal.

TEST: Pump water through the system before continuing to verify the seal holds. Fix any leaks before proceeding.

Step 2: Thread the latex hose through the middle of the mechanical system, running it lengthwise through the compression zone beneath/between the PVC half-pipes. The hose must sit in the path where spring compression will squeeze it when a tourniquet is applied.

Step 3: Use plastic cable ties to secure the hose at 3 points along the mechanical frame. Caution: Do not overtighten — the ties should hold the hose in position without restricting fluid flow when no tourniquet is applied.

Step 4: Place the remaining hose end into the water reservoir (plastic water bottle). Wrap this connection with Teflon tape as well. Fill the bottle with water.

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