purchasing tourniquets

[prajwala]

I just started working in a new emergency department where they don't have tourniquets in the supply room! The only way to get a tourniquet is to open an IV start kit, which is a waste when you just want 2 tourniquets for IV insertion or a tourniquet for a peripheral lab draw with a butterfly.

Does anyone carry their own tourniquets with them at work? If so, where did you buy it and what brand is it? I used to work with a travel nurse who used a velcro one, but I don't know the brand.

I'm looking at these two off of Amazon:

Amazon.com: Velket The Velcro Tourniquet Adult Size: Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com: ADC 34

[Melissajm]

Its hard to believe they don't stock tourniquets for Phleb. Can you ask your manager? I don't think that's an unreasonable request. My only question with the tourniquet you were looking to purchase is how are you going to keep it sanitized? It's pretty gross to use one over and over on different people.

[SDboyy]

I worked as a supply supervisor at a hospital and would be very surprised if they were not a supply. Not saying it is you, but I also can't count the number or times nurses said they were out of something when they were looking in the wrong place or did not know where to look.

Ask your manager or a tech first. If it is not carried, then it should be an inventory add, and can be requested by contacting your supply chain folks.

[offlabel]

Just use a disposable exam glove. Works fine with most patients. Use a large or extra large and tie the pinky and thumb together.