Tourniquet devices, systems and methods for using the same

A tourniquet system comprising:

• a tourniquet comprising:
• a flexible band for encircling and applying pressure to a limb of a patient,
• a fastening element for securing a first portion of the flexible band to a second portion of the flexible band, and
• a tensioning device operative to apply tension to the flexible band and apply constrictive pressure around the limb of the patient sufficient to restrict at least arterial blood flow through the limb;
• and
• a timer apparatus coupled with the tourniquet, the timer apparatus comprising:
• a housing,
• a display coupled with the housing,
• a power supply positioned within the housing,
• a single-use switch operatively controlled externally to the housing, the switch comprising an activating component operable to close the switch upon removal,
• a microcontroller responsive to closure of the switch, positioned within the housing, and in electrical communication with the display such that closing the switch initiates voltage flow between the power supply and the microcontroller, thereby activating the microcontroller to measure elapsed time starting from activation, and the activation of the microcontroller to measure elapsed time is not reversible so that the measuring of elapsed time is not vulnerable to being erroneously stopped, and
• wherein when the activating component is attached to the housing, the switch is open and voltage does not flow between the power supply and the microcontroller,
• wherein the activating component is removable from the timer apparatus after operation of the tensioning device to apply constrictive pressure around the limb of the patient sufficient to restrict at least arterial blood flow through the limb.

A method of applying a tourniquet comprising:

• providing a constriction device comprising a flexible band, a fastening element for securing a first portion of the flexible band to a second portion of the flexible band, a tensioning device operative to apply tension to the flexible band, and a timer apparatus coupled with the flexible band, the timer apparatus comprising:
• a housing,
• a display coupled with the housing,
• a power supply,
• a switch operatively controlled externally to the housing and comprising an activating component that is removably attachable from the housing and operable to close the switch upon removal thereby providing power to the timer apparatus and activating tracking of elapsed time, and the activation of the tracking of elapsed time is not reversible so that the tracking of elapsed time is not vulnerable to being erroneously stopped, and wherein when the activating component is attached, the switch is open preventing power to the timer apparatus;
• manipulating the flexible band around a body part of a patient;
• coupling a first end of the flexible band with a second end of the flexible band to encircle the body part;
• adjusting the tensioning device to apply constrictive pressure around the body part sufficient to restrict at least arterial blood flow through the body part;
• and
• removing the activating component from the timer apparatus to activate the timer apparatus and initiate tracking of elapsed time of treatment after the step of adjusting the tensioning device to apply constrictive pressure around the body part.