Hemostatic Agent
From ZombieSquadWiki
Hemostatic agents, such as QuikClot and Celox, rapidly stop bleeding by either promoting coagulation or contracting tissue. Hemostatics can be critical to saving someone's life making them an excellent part of a first aid kit.
Contents |
Usage
Hemostatic agents in powder form are poured into the wound cavity where they react with blood present to slow or stop bloodflow. Hemostatic agents are superior to hemostatic dressings in stopping internal bleeding. However there have been complications from use of some products (see side effects) which has made the hemostatic dressings preferable for most hemmorrhage control.
Side Effects
The manufacturer of QuikClot specifically warns against applying the clotting agent to wet skin due to the likelihood of causing burns to skin due to exothermic reaction by the mineral zeolite mixture in the product. Before pouring the contents of the pouch wipe excess blood from around the wound. Also dry the hands of the rescuer as best as possible before using the hemostatic agent. Inform medical personnel treating the patient that QuikClot has been applied as there will be thermal injuries to the wound area. A newer version of the product, QuikClot ACS+ reduces the thermogenic risk.
Other side effects are reports of paralysis or other neural deficits in rare cases where the hemostatic agent was left in a patient near bony or neural tissue following use during surgery. This is not a general concern during first aid when preventing the loss of life is the primary concern.
See Also
References
- Hemmorrhage Control in the Battlefied: Role of New Hemostatic Agents
- Hemostatic Agent May Cause Paralysis and Other Neural Deficits
