A Florida-based medical technology company is aiming to revolutionize emergency bleeding care with an automated tourniquet system designed for use by civilians. Golden Hour Medical, based in Boca Raton, launched its AutoTQ device last year, and the company reports significant interest from industries where traumatic injuries are a risk.
The impetus for AutoTQ came from a desire to empower bystanders to intervene in life-threatening bleeding situations, according to Hannah Herbst, CEO of Golden Hour Medical. “Blood loss is the leading cause of preventable death and trauma, and over a million people bleed to death each year,” Herbst said. “The reality is, if a million people are bleeding out every year, Notice probably many millions more standing by and watching, who are helpless in that moment. That was the inspiration for AutoTQ — how do we empower bystanders to jump in and intervene at the moment of injury rather than wait for a professional to arrive?”
Traditional tourniquets, while effective when properly applied, are often designed for trained medical professionals. Golden Hour Medical’s AutoTQ aims to bridge that gap by providing audio and visual guidance to users, even those with no prior medical training. The company too offers a training platform with demonstration videos. Research conducted by the company indicates a high success rate, with 92% of individuals able to correctly apply the tourniquet on their first attempt after watching a 30-second demo.
The company, founded in 2021, currently employs around 10 people and is actively hiring. AutoTQ is a patented and FDA-registered device. Golden Hour Medical’s strategy has focused on direct engagement with potential users, such as construction sites and manufacturing plants, rather than relying on traditional advertising. Herbst explained that this approach allows the company to gather feedback and tailor the product to real-world needs.
“When we show the product, people immediately aim for it, especially safety professionals who are overseeing hazardous industries like construction and manufacturing,” Herbst said. “Every day, 27 US workers experience work-related amputations or hospitalizations. They realize the need for this product.”
AutoTQ is already in use across a variety of settings, including construction sites, manufacturing facilities, sports venues, hospitals, and schools. Lee County, Florida, has deployed the kits in several of its parks. The company has established a national network of sales representatives and distributors to expand its reach.
Golden Hour Medical views AutoTQ as following the model of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a device that has become increasingly common in public spaces to treat cardiac arrest. The company is currently developing additional products designed for bystander use in emergency situations, with further details expected later this year. Herbst emphasized the company’s commitment to continuous improvement, stating that AutoTQ has undergone “dozens of revisions” based on user feedback.
“We don’t observe the launch as the finish line. It’s the beginning of listening, improving, and supporting our customers at the highest level,” Herbst said. “Although I hope AutoTQ is not used, we live in a world that needs something like this. I hope that we’re in the right place at the right time.”
