Interesting, I hadn't noticed this new Combat Gauze. Well, it was just announced a couple weeks ago, it seems, at least from the press announcement.

Although sold under the QuickClot brand name, the Combat Gauze uses a completely different substance from the original QuickClot. Basically a certain type of clay--Kaolin clay, to be exact. The same clay that gave the anti-diarrhea product, Kaopectate, its name.

However, from the little I've read about the Combat Gauze, I believe that there is still one specific area where Celox has an advantage--when dealing with a person with comprised clotting ability. The Kaolin relies on enhancing the body's normal clotting ability, however, for people with comprised clotting, like those on heparin therapy, I don't know how well the clay would work. In contrast, the chitosan in Celox works independently of the body's normal clotting mechanism. Anyway, not something that most soliders have to worry about, but quite a few older folks are on heparin, so just something that came to mind.

My experience with bleeding is primarily from trauma associated with back country situations - lots of fractures, some open, major and minor lacerations, and one near amputation of an arm (which was later removed in the hospital). We employed direct pressure, elevation, and occasionally pressure points - right out of the then current FA book. We were always able to stop the bleeding readily - never had to consider using a tourniquet which I would imagine is the situation where Quick Clot would be most useful.

I asked a friend of mine working professionally as a paramedic if he had ever had any problems with bleeding (two plus years experience). No such events.

I don't think I will bother with Quick Clot. It certainly might be useful in a battlefield environment, but I doubt that it is necessary in more normal situations. I will use the space and money saved for more 4x4s and elastic bandages.

My take on QuickClot and the clones is that they would be great when you have someone bleeding badly, and the bad guys are still shooting at you, giving you no time for direct pressure, elevation, etc. Or you have multiple victims and don't have the time. Been there done that, wishing that I had something like QuickClot (but would probably been prohibited from using it by departmental policy)...

I had QuickClot in my kit ~3 years ago and removed it. I agree with the previous posters regarding the usage of it. It now sits at home in my 'gear' box.

As a Corpsman in the Navy, I found that "Ace" wraps or elastic bandages were a GREAT "one size fits all."

Wrap loosely to cover or hold something on, wrap tightly for a good pressure dressing.

I buy them in various sizes at the dollar store... WAY cheaper than kerlex or cling.

OTOH, the elastics do NOT stick to themselves like many of the more "modern" products.

hey guys, looking at suppliers for my troop FAK and I found These Guys, looks like really cheap medical supplies (69 cent ace wraps for example) Has anyone used them? This might help others out as well

(usual disclamer, these are my oppinions bla bla bla)

-Jace

Wow^^^that sounded like an advertisment, you guys no me, I don't do that! I really don't have any contacts within them so please forgive me!

ACE bandages and kerlix are 2 completely different products..

Yeah, but they will both hold those 4x4's on a wound...

I know the difference between an ace bandage and kerlex, the cheap ace bandages just are the things that jump to mind...Kerlix is rike roller gauze and a brand name, like ace bandages that are elastic and used a lot for twisted anckels and less for bleeding...