Compressed tactical packing gauze is sterile, 100% cotton, highly absorbent gauze intended primarily for packing heavily bleeding wounds – e.g. gunshot or stab wounds, or wounds in the groin and armpit where a tourniquet cannot be applied. The bleeding is controlled by packing the wound with gauze and pressing firmly.
The gauze is vacuum-packed, so the pack is not much bigger than a matchbox. Once removed, the gauze expands many times over, which makes packing the wound easier. The packaging is waterproof and easy to open. The gauze can also be used to dress other wounds instead of traditional dressing gauze.
The gauze measures 12 cm × 3.75 m and is a class IIa medical device. To complete your first aid kit, add haemostatic dressings and Israeli-type bandages. Compressed tactical packing gauze is part of IFAKs and STOP BLEEDING kits.
Why compressed tactical packing gauze?
A wound in a place where a tourniquet cannot be applied can lead to bleeding out within minutes. Packing it with gauze and applying firm pressure is the basic method of controlling such bleeding – and compressed gauze fits in any individual first aid kit. Compressed tactical packing gauze practise using it at our bleeding control training.
You will find other dressings for individual first aid kits in the category individual dressings (IFAK).
Packing a wound with gauze – how to do it?
Put on gloves, expose the wound and find the point of heaviest bleeding. Push the gauze deep into the wound with your fingers until it is completely packed, then press firmly for at least 3 minutes – without checking. Finally apply a pressure dressing, e.g. an Israeli-type bandage. 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 article Massive haemorrhage – first aid.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is compressed gauze used for?
For packing heavily bleeding wounds and controlling bleeding with pressure; also for dressing other wounds.
What are the gauze dimensions?
12 cm × 3.75 m.
Is it sterile?
Yes – sterile, single-use, class IIa medical device.
