Junctional Emergency Treatment Tool™ (JETT®)

Key Specifications

The JETT's Role in Junctional Hemorrhage Control

Junctional hemorrhage — bleeding at the groin, pelvis, shoulder, or neck where the limb meets the torso — accounts for approximately 19% of potentially survivable battlefield deaths (Kotwal et al., Journal of Special Operations Medicine, 2013). The common femoral artery exits the pelvis beneath the inguinal ligament in a location that is anatomically inaccessible to circumferential limb tourniquets. High-energy blast injuries from IEDs frequently cause proximal lower-extremity amputations or through-and-through groin wounds that require direct arterial compression at or below the inguinal ligament — precisely the zone the JETT is designed to address.

The JETT's design philosophy prioritizes speed of application and bilateral capability. A single JETT deploys as a pre-assembled, ready-to-use belt that is routed behind the casualty's buttocks and pulled upward into position — with both compression pads pre-positioned for rapid unilateral or bilateral deployment. This means responders require no additional setup to treat bilateral injuries: the device is always pre-staged for both lower extremities simultaneously.

Product Overview

Developed and tested under the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) Combat Casualty Care Research Program requirements, the JETT was designed to fill capability gaps identified in battlefield hemorrhage management. In cadaveric testing at the University of Texas Health Science Center — with the common femoral artery cannulated to physiologic pressures — the JETT achieved bilateral common femoral artery occlusion in as few as 10 seconds using its large compression pads. In all test subjects, there was an immediate cessation of fluid flow with application. Hemostasis was maintained 100% of the time at systemic pressures above 110 mmHg (Gates et al., 2014). The device was found to cause less potential for vascular damage or neuropraxia than standard combat tourniquets because it compresses the proximal artery before it branches, rather than crushing tissue circumferentially.

A key safety feature is the lanyard and toggle locking mechanism on the windlass handles. During patient transport — which involves vibration, jostling over rough terrain, and frequent position changes — windlass-based devices risk losing pressure. The JETT's toggle system prevents the windlass axle from unwinding due to movement, maintaining consistent occlusion pressure throughout evacuation chains from point of injury to definitive surgical care.

In addition to hemorrhage control, research from the University of Texas Health Science Center demonstrates that the JETT's circumferential pelvic compression provides pelvic fracture stabilization — a dual benefit in the blast injury pattern where pelvic fractures and junctional hemorrhage commonly co-occur. The device carries over $500,000 in annual DoD procurement value, underscoring its role in standard military medical logistics. The NAR-branded JETT Pack — sold separately — is a purpose-built MOLLE/PALS nylon carrier designed for aid bag external attachment.

How to Apply the JETT

1. Route the JETT belt underneath the casualty's lower back/buttocks and draw it up toward the pelvis, positioning the circumferential buttocks pad securely behind the hips.
2. Slide the trapezoidal compression pads inward into the inguinal creases — targeting the natural fold between the thigh and lower abdomen, which marks the inguinal ligament beneath.
3. For each affected side, position the pad footprint 30° from vertical, below the inguinal ligament, centered over the femoral vessels.
4. Tighten the belt firmly using the T-handles, rotating each windlass until hemorrhage stops and no distal femoral/popliteal pulse is palpable.
5. Lock each windlass using the lanyard-and-toggle mechanism to prevent unwinding during transport.
6. Confirm hemorrhage control, write the application time in the writeable area on the device, and document on the TCCC Casualty Card. Reassess after each patient movement.

Carry the JETT on any aid bag with the purpose-built JETT Pack (available in Black and Coyote Tan). For other CoTCCC-recommended junctional devices, see the SAM Junctional Tourniquet and AAJT-S. Browse all tourniquets and pouches or complete massive hemorrhage control kits.

All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.