QuikClot Combat Gauze haemostatic dressing (Z-Medica) is sterile 7.5 cm × 3.7 m gauze, Z-folded and impregnated with kaolin. Kaolin is an inorganic mineral that activates clotting factor XII and thereby speeds up the natural blood clotting process.
The gauze is used to pack wounds with massive haemorrhage that cannot be controlled with a tourniquet – e.g. in the groin, armpit, neck or high on the thigh. The accordion fold lets you quickly push the gauze deep into the wound, right down to the bleeding vessel.
The dressing has a marker visible on X-rays, contains no natural fabrics and causes no exothermic reaction – it does not generate heat. It is sterile and single-use. QuikClot Combat Gauze haemostatic dressing fits in an IFAK.
Why the QuikClot Combat Gauze haemostatic dressing?
Ordinary gauze only fills the wound, whereas QuikClot Combat Gauze also speeds up clotting. Kaolin works by activating clotting, and the long gauze can fill even a deep wound. QuikClot Combat Gauze haemostatic dressing practise at our bleeding control training.
Other dressings, e.g. Celox Rapid or KLOTPAD Z-Fold, can be found in the category haemostatic dressings.
How to pack a wound with haemostatic gauze?
Put on gloves and expose the wound. Push the gauze deep into the wound with your fingers, towards the bleeding point, and keep packing until the gauze protrudes above the wound edges. Press firmly for at least 3 minutes, then apply a pressure dressing. For massive bleeding from a limb, apply a tourniquet first. Call for help on 112 – action taken by a bystander can decide whether the casualty survives. The dressings are single-use.
Read more in the articles Massive haemorrhage – first aid and A first aid kit ready for massive bleeding.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How does QuikClot Combat Gauze work?
Kaolin activates factor XII and speeds up blood clotting.
What size is the gauze?
7.5 cm × 3.7 m.
Does the gauze burn?
No – it causes no exothermic reaction.
Is it visible on X-rays?
Yes – it has an X-ray marker.
