There appears to be some confusion with the many emergency hemorrhagic control agents on the market. The best known ones are the following:

QuikClot: Uses minerals to create reaction to concentrate clotting factors and creates an exothermic reaction (read: gets hot) when it comes into contact with water. This is the product used in the USMC’s Individual IFAK and has received the most praise for severe blood loss control. However, USSOCOM (US Special Operations Command) has pulled its used from the field because they believe the dangers of severe burns are high. HOWEVER, the Army and Marine Corp, after a study that reiterated its effectiveness (USUHS) continue to use the product because they believe that a BURN is better than DYING. There are confirmed reports of saves with this product in US military operations. The product is manufactured by Z-Medica which is NOT related to the company that makes the Cinch-Tight banadage. They do make a “battle pack” which uses the Cinch Tight bandage, which is modeled after the Marine Individual First Aid Kit. It is very important you follow the instructions on the packet to prevent burns. (www.z-medica.com)

Traumadex: Is made from potato starch and is NOT related to QuikClot in any way. These starch molecules “swell” when they come into contact with water helping createa “plug” in a wound. There are promising rabbit studies which indicate its ability to work well and I remember reading several ambulance organizations raving about it. However, one study (on the Z-Medica site) indicates that the product performs poorly in a severe bleeding model. However, there is no danger of burns. This is the SAME product as Hemaderm, Bleed-X, and Hema-Block. (www.traumadex.com) and (www.medafor.com)

UrgentQR: Is a mineral product designed to create a “scab” over minor wounds. I hear it is great for athletic trainers and the like who need to get players back on the pitch by stopping minor bleeding. (Players usually get sent out with actively bleeding wounds). However, this product is NOT designed for severe bleeding. (www.biolife.com)

Hemcon: Experimental shrimp bandage that will cost US$100 for a 4x4 inch gauze size. Its clinical effectiveness has yet to be determined publicly. (www.hemocon.com)

The bottom line:
If you do HIGH-RISK (of blood loss) activity (e.g. law enforcement, military, mountain expedition in the Andes etc.) or have blood clotting issues (hemophilia or are on blood thinning drugs) then you should think about buying these products. However, this stuff really isn’t needed in your medicine cabinet, especially ones that can cause severe burns if not used properly. Most of the products still require you to know basic first aid skills (Direct Pressure, Elevation, Pressure Points) and are NOT a replacement for these skills. However, some of these products have great promise in saving lives that were previously unsalvageable by the simple first-aid-equipped responder.