What is Hemostatic Gauze?
At its core, hemostatic gauze is a sterile piece of fabric (usually non-woven or rayon) that has been impregnated or coated with a hemostatic agent—a substance that speeds up the body’s natural blood-clotting process.
Common Types You Will See:
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Kaolin-impregnated (e.g., QuikClot Combat Gauze): The current military and EMS standard. It does not cause an exothermic (heat) reaction and works well in cold weather.
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Chitosan-based (e.g., Celox): Derived from shrimp shells. This works independently of the body’s natural clotting factors, making it ideal for people on blood thinners or those with clotting disorders. (Note: Check for shellfish allergies).
How to Use Hemostatic Gauze (Step-by-Step)
Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes. Always follow your specific product’s instructions and seek professional medical help immediately.
Before you touch the gauze: Ensure scene safety, put on gloves (if available), and locate the source of bleeding.
Step 1: Expose the Wound
Cut or tear away clothing to get a clear view of the wound. Do not waste time cleaning the wound or removing deep debris—your goal is to stop the bleed.
Step 2: Apply Direct Pressure (Initial)
Place a clean cloth or standard gauze over the wound and apply firm pressure for 10-15 seconds just to identify the exact bleeder. Remove that cloth (you will discard it).
Step 3: Pack the Wound (The Most Important Step)
Take the hemostatic gauze out of the package.
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Start at the bottom: If the wound is a deep hole (like a stab wound), use your finger (or a packing tool) to push the gauze down against the bone or the bottom of the wound tunnel.
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Hold it in place: While holding the first packed inch down, stuff the next layer of gauze on top of it. You are essentially creating a tight “plug.”
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Fill the space: Continue packing until the gauze is flush with the skin level (or slightly protruding). Do not just wad it up and push it in the top. You must fill the entire cavity from bottom to top.
Step 4: Maintain Direct Pressure
Once the wound is fully packed, place your palm directly over the packed wound and push down hard (2-3 inches deep if possible). Maintain this uninterrupted pressure for 3 to 5 minutes (check your product label; some require 3 minutes, some 10).
Step 5: Apply a Pressure Dressing
While maintaining pressure with one hand, use an elastic bandage (ACE wrap) or an emergency trauma dressing (Israeli bandage) to wrap tightly over the packed gauze. This holds the pressure for you.
Step 6: Evacuate (Time to go to the ER)
Hemostatic gauze stops bleeding, but it is not a cure. The patient needs a surgeon to remove the gauze and repair the vessel. Mark a “T” (for Tourniquet or Time) on the patient’s forehead or dressing with the time the gauze was applied.
When NOT to Use It
Do not use hemostatic gauze for:
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Chest wounds (sucking chest wounds require a chest seal).
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Eye injuries or head wounds with exposed brain matter.
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Minor bleeding (you will waste expensive material and risk damaging healthy tissue).
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Internal bleeding (stomach, pelvis, etc.).
Hemostatic Gauze vs. Regular Gauze: The Difference
It is vital to understand that you do not use hemostatic gauze for a nosebleed or a papercut.
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Standard Gauze (Roller Gauze): Used for wound packing, cushioning, absorption of minor bleeding, and holding dressings in place. It requires intact clotting factors to work.
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Hemostatic Gauze: Used only for severe, life-threatening bleeding (arterial bleeds, deep lacerations, junctional wounds like the groin/armpit). It is an active medical device, not a general cleaning tool.
