Provided is a tourniquet having two opposing and pivotally movable plates. The plates comprise a clamp that pinches an elastomeric cord. The plates are pivotally biased together by a spring. The cord is attached to a back end of the clamp. A free end of the cord is squeezed by the plates such that a loop of cord is provided. The cord can be pulled from the clamp to reduce the size of the loop. The clamp comprises a safety lock that prevents movement of the plates and slipping of the cord. The safety lock can comprise a button disposed between the plates in the back end of the clamp, preventing the plates from moving together in the back portion, and therefore from moving apart in a front portion that grips the cord. Also, the tourniquet clamp can comprise a dual-sided press connector mechanism for fast release of tourniquet tension.