Don’t get caught without combat gauze

In emergency medical situations, particularly in combat or tactical environments, controlling severe bleeding is critical. This is where combat gauze comes into play. Combat gauze, specifically designed for traumatic injuries, is a hemostatic agent used to stop life-threatening bleeding. It is a must-have for first responders, tactical medics, military personnel, and even civilians who want to be prepared for emergencies.

This article will explore what combat gauze is, why it’s so important, and why you should consider adding QuikClot Combat Gauze to your first aid kit.

What is Combat Gauze?

Combat gauze is a specially designed hemostatic dressing that works to promote clotting in severe wounds, particularly in cases of heavy bleeding that can’t be easily controlled with a standard bandage. It is made from a pliable, sterile material that is easy to pack into wounds and works by accelerating the body’s natural clotting process. Combat gauze is used by military medics, tactical law enforcement, and emergency responders, but its simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable tool for civilians as well.

Key Features of Combat Gauze:

1. Hemostatic Agent: The gauze is impregnated with materials that help the body’s clotting process, quickly controlling bleeding.
2. Versatility: Combat gauze can be applied to a wide range of wounds, including deep, penetrating wounds like gunshot injuries or shrapnel wounds.
3. Ease of Use: Its use is straightforward, requiring no special medical training. Anyone familiar with using regular gauze can apply combat gauze in the same way.
4. Inert and Non-Allergenic: Combat gauze is made from materials that are safe for use on nearly any individual, reducing concerns of allergic reactions.

Why is Combat Gauze Important?

In a critical injury scenario, severe bleeding is one of the primary causes of death. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, a workplace injury, or a combat situation, controlling blood loss as quickly as possible can save lives. The importance of having hemostatic agents like combat gauze in your first aid or med kit cannot be overstated.

1. Rapid Clotting

When dealing with a traumatic injury, time is of the essence. Combat gauze speeds up the body’s natural clotting process, helping to stop blood loss in minutes. This quick action is crucial for preventing shock or death due to blood loss.

2. Prevents Further Complications

In cases where traditional methods like direct pressure and standard gauze fail, combat gauze can be the next line of defense. Without proper bleeding control, patients can experience shock, organ failure, or even death. Combat gauze reduces these risks by providing an extra layer of security in treating severe wounds.

3. Lightweight and Compact

One of the reasons combat gauze is so widely recommended is its convenience. It is lightweight and takes up very little space in a med kit, making it an ideal addition without adding bulk. Whether you’re carrying it in a tactical first aid kit or a personal med kit, its compact size makes it easy to store.

4. Versatile in Different Scenarios

Combat gauze is designed to handle a variety of injuries, including those caused by gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or serious accidents. Whether you’re on a battlefield, at a shooting range, or out hiking, accidents can happen at any time. Combat gauze’s versatility ensures that you’re equipped to handle severe injuries in a range of environments.

Why QuikClot Combat Gauze is the Best Option

Among the many hemostatic dressings available, QuikClot Combat Gauze stands out for its effectiveness and ease of use. It has been the go-to choice for military personnel, law enforcement, and emergency responders worldwide. Here’s why:

1. Fast-Acting

QuikClot Combat Gauze is designed to control bleeding quickly. It promotes rapid clotting within minutes, which is crucial when dealing with traumatic injuries where time is critical.

2. Inert and Non-Allergenic

QuikClot Combat Gauze uses a proprietary inorganic material to promote clotting, which means it’s inert and non-allergenic, making it safe for use on anyone, including people with allergies or sensitivities.

3. Pliable and Familiar

QuikClot Combat Gauze can be packed into almost any wound, regardless of the size or shape. The gauze is soft and pliable, allowing you to shape it to fit even the most challenging wound areas. It can also be easily removed once the clotting has taken place, without sticking to the wound, which is a huge advantage when it comes to patient comfort and care.

4. No Heat Generation

Unlike other hemostatic agents, QuikClot does not produce any heat. This is important because some older hemostatic products could cause burns or discomfort when applied. With QuikClot Combat Gauze, you won’t have to worry about heat-related issues during application.

5. Compact Packaging

The gauze comes in four-yard rolls that are three inches wide, making it compact and easy to fit into a med kit. It also features eight tear points for quicker application, so it’s always ready to use without fuss. Whether you’re packing it in a small first aid kit or a full trauma bag, QuikClot Combat Gauze won’t take up much space, making it the perfect addition to any kit.

6. Long Shelf Life

QuikClot Combat Gauze boasts an impressive five-year shelf life, making it a long-lasting investment in your medical preparedness. You won’t need to worry about it expiring too soon after purchase.

How to Use QuikClot Combat Gauze

1. Expose the Wound: Before applying QuikClot, it’s important to expose the wound as much as possible.
2. Pack the Wound: Take the gauze and tightly pack it into the wound, ensuring all exposed areas are covered.
3. Apply Pressure: Once the gauze is in place, apply firm pressure directly over the wound for 3-5 minutes or until bleeding stops.
4. Secure the Dressing: After the bleeding is controlled, secure the dressing with a bandage or trauma dressing to keep it in place.
5. Monitor and Seek Medical Attention: While QuikClot Combat Gauze can stop bleeding, it’s important to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.

The Best First Aid Kits With Combat Gauze

While you can buy combat gauze on its own, buying a first aid kit that includes it can be even more beneficial, that way you get everything you need. Let’s check out the best first aid kits that include combat gauze.

Guerilla Tactical Trauma Kit (GTTK)

As a company committed to the highest standard of life preservation, we set out to create a high-quality, customized Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) that would be dependable in critical moments. The result is the Guerrilla Tactical Trauma Kit (GTTK), specifically designed to address gunshot and knife-inflicted stab wounds. This user-friendly IFAK contains essential tools for controlling bleeding during traumatic incidents. Built around the MARCH model—Massive Hemorrhage, Airway, Respirations, Circulation, Head Injury/Hypothermia—our kit ensures comprehensive coverage in life-threatening situations. The GTTK includes a 4″ ETD Trauma Dressing, QuikClot Combat Gauze, Hyfin Compact Chest Seal Twin Pack, wound packing gauze, 4″ elastic wrap bandage, nasal trumpet, CAT 7 tourniquet, mini Sharpie, emergency blanket, Fox Eye Shield, trauma shears, and gloves.

GTTK Sidekick

The Guerrilla Tactical Trauma Kit (GTTK) Sidekick was designed to serve as a secondary stash of medical supplies to complement our full GTTK IFAK or as a convenient refill option. Compact and versatile, this kit is an excellent addition to your range bag, dangler pouch, backpack, or cummerbund side pouches. Just remember to add a tourniquet! However, please note that the GTTK Sidekick is not a full IFAK and does not replace the comprehensive coverage offered by the full GTTK. The Sidekick includes a 4″ ETD Trauma Dressing, Combat Gauze Z-Fold Dressing, wound packing gauze, Hyfin Compact Chest Seal Twin Pack, and gloves.

Final Thoughts

In emergencies, being prepared can make the difference between life and death. Whether you’re a trained professional or a concerned civilian, having QuikClot Combat Gauze in your first aid kit ensures you’re ready to handle severe injuries involving heavy bleeding. Its fast-acting properties, ease of use, and compatibility with various wound types make it the ultimate wound care dressing. By adding QuikClot Combat Gauze to your med kit, you’re equipping yourself with the tools necessary to save a life.

Check out Guerrilla Tactical for your first aid needs, and be sure to follow us on Instagram!