Originally Posted By: MDinana

1. Celox, QuickClot, and the like are being phased out of military stocks. Apparently, in addition to the exothermic issues, there are reports of soldiers dying 1-2 years out from pulmonary emboli, attributed to the product. So, they're using their remaining stock, and using the Israeli bandage and the H-bandage (http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=FA216)


Do you have any reference for this? While certain hemostatics (WoundStat) use has been discontinued, hemostatics and specifically hemostatic bandages are still recommended when pressure dressings won't control the bleeding in situations where tourniquets would not be effective or cannot be applied.

I can not attest for what is currently being taught in CLS courses or other military medical classes, but I do know that the most recent set of TCCC Guidelines still recommend the use of CombatGuaze or similar hemostatic dressings. Other military and non-military studies recommend the use of Chitosan based hemostatics like Celox and Hemcon, especially the hemostatic dressings with Chitosan.

I would personally recommend against the use of hemostatic powders simply because they are pain in the arse to use and can cause complications if used incorrectly or when not necessary. Hemostatic bandages are still an outstanding adjunct to bleeding control when other methods don't work.

If there is a study or data supporting the discontinuation of ALL hemostatics, I would be interested in see it.

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2. Tourniquets are being used in a BIG way in Iraq/Afghanistan. And apparently causing a big percentage drop in fatalities due to exsanguination. So a few of them might be worthwhile, since trends from military medicine eventually trickle into the civilian world. A couple styles are being used, but in a pinch, a belt or a 'kerchief with a stick can do the job. Combat first aid isn't ABC's, it's CAB.


Tourniquets have even made their way back into civilian EMS. We recently did a mini-study to choose a tourniquet to place into service locally, an article discussing the results of the study should be up on equipped.org soon.
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