experience with "Combat Gauze"?

LeakyBandage · 08-20-2008, 15:55

Does anyone have experience with ZMedica/QuikClot's Combat Gauze? It is supposed to be a roll of gauze with a new, non-heating hemostatic agent embedded in it.

I have read that the current revision of TC3 lists it as a first-line hemostatic to be used before WoundStat, but I am not in that loop and cannot speak authoritatively. It is available on the civilian market (i.e. here & here) but it would be great to get some feedback from guys out on the sharp end.

adal · 08-20-2008, 17:51

Just got some. Will let you know. Seems like a good idea, but I wonder what the big difference is between it and kerlex.

cornelyj · 08-22-2008, 12:43

Seems like it would work well?
too bad I don't deal with gun shot wounds too much.

::living vicariously through awesome combat medics::

JMonty · 01-31-2010, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by adal

Just got some. Will let you know. Seems like a good idea, but I wonder what the big difference is between it and kerlex.

Kerlex works fine if used correctly (you know that of course) but as far as Combat Gauze goes, it's something I like to save for neck, axillary, or inguinal injuries. It's a great product when used in conjunction with Kerlex and pressure dressings. I'm not positive on the difference between the two, just that they both work when you need them to, which is good enough for me. I'll bug my PA about it tomorrow.

Surgicalcric · 01-31-2010, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMonty

...I'm not positive on the difference between the two...

You dont know the difference between plain kerlix and Combat Gauze?

Sounds like you need to do a lil research before you go pestering your PA about things you SHOULD have the answers for.

Crip

JMonty · 01-31-2010, 12:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surgicalcric

You dont know the difference between plain kerlix and Combat Gauze?

Sounds like you need to do a lil research before you go pestering your PA about things you SHOULD have the answers for.

Crip

You're right, he shouldn't have to do my job.

• QuikClot® Combat Gauze™ causes rapid localized coagulation
and the formation of a stable blood clot in a variety of wounds.
It does not absorb into the body, and is safe to leave in the
wound until further medical care is available.
• QuikClot® Combat Gauze™ does not produce any heat.

MtnGoat · 01-31-2010, 19:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surgicalcric

You dont know the difference between plain kerlix and Combat Gauze?

Sounds like you need to do a lil research before you go pestering your PA about things you SHOULD have the answers for.

Crip

AMEN!!!

You should know. I'm a frinkin knuckle dragging barrel chest freedom fighter and I know the diff.

I'm not a medic nor have I ever been one.

But I've trained in medical field, but I'd slept in a Holiday Inn express and I know the difference between the two.

JMonty · 02-01-2010, 04:39

Roger, guys. SurgicalCric jumped in my shit and I fixed myself. It won't happen again.

aaronw · 03-09-2010, 19:29

it works really well, but try to get rid/wipe as much blood as possible first. you need to isolate the bleed, and also when it gets really bloody it likes to stick to your gloves.

DDD · 03-09-2010, 19:48

It works well, roller gauze used properly is 95% as effective. Not a reason not to use it, just saying it isn't the end all for hemorragic control.

aaronw · 03-09-2010, 19:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDD

It works well, roller gauze used properly is 95% as effective. Not a reason not to use it, just saying it isn't the end all for hemorragic control.

+1

I carry a lot more kerlex than I do combat gauze. Its frequently more trouble than its worth.

farcefiasco · 03-09-2010, 20:02

*

Mack · 03-09-2010, 22:20

Used Combat Gauze on a femoral bleeder at Med Sustain/Refresher 2 weeks ago. It worked well...after 2 packs of Combat gauze, AND a topper of Kerlix wrapped tightly with a 6" ACE wrap. Not a fan, so it won't be going in my med bag. Keep your Combat Gauze, give me the Kerlix. Just my 2 cents.

swatsurgeon · 03-10-2010, 15:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mack

Used Combat Gauze on a femoral bleeder at Med Sustain/Refresher 2 weeks ago. It worked well...after 2 packs of Combat gauze, AND a topper of Kerlix wrapped tightly with a 6" ACE wrap. Not a fan, so it won't be going in my med bag. Keep your Combat Gauze, give me the Kerlix. Just my 2 cents.

Mack,
The only difference between the two is the addition of a 'potential' hemostatic agent...it is not a miracle worker, just an adjunct. Why not carry something that does offer 1% more potential to stop bleeding....just trying to figure out the rationale people use for what they carry.....not a criticism of you at all.
ss

swatsurgeon · 03-10-2010, 15:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeakyBandage

Does anyone have experience with ZMedica/QuikClot's Combat Gauze? It is supposed to be a roll of gauze with a new, non-heating hemostatic agent embedded in it.

I have read that the current revision of TC3 lists it as a first-line hemostatic to be used before WoundStat, but I am not in that loop and cannot speak authoritatively. It is available on the civilian market (i.e. here & here) but it would be great to get some feedback from guys out on the sharp end.

Leakybandage,
I have used it in and out of the body, yes it does work....would a non-impregnated gauze have done the same thing????Inside the body I know it wouldn't, I tried. Outside you have a lot more options to control bleeding, i.e., types of wound, venous vs. arterial hemorrhage, etc. I like the stuff. I have used the combat gauze 3x in the body and the quik clot "tea bags" 7x in the body with only one 'failure' that was predictable when we started the case....patient was coagulopathic and I knew it was a long shot, you need an intact coagulation cascade for ANY of these products to work.

ss