When I first learned about Quikclot, I was intrigued… a medical dressing that actually stops bleeding? What is it? How does it work? Is it available for anyone? After a bit of study, I decided to buy some for our home First Aid Kit, and for our Bug-Out-Bags. Luckily, we haven’t had an injury to test it on (not for lack of trying). But, I do want to share what I learned, and why I think everyone should keep Quick Clot in their Prepper First Aid Kit.
What is Quick Clot?
When I first heard about the product, I thought it was a powder or spray that you sprinkled over a wound. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Quick Clot is a gauze bandage impregnated with a natural inert mineral called Kaolin. For years Kaolin has known to be a hemostatic (hemo – blood, static-stop) agent, but only recently was the right application method devised. Wrap a Quick Clot bandage over a wound, and the kaolin will interact with the blood to form a clot. The Marines have been using Quick Clot in combat situations since 2003, and sadly, they have had plenty successful experience using it. Quick Clot comes as a gauze or as a sponge in a mesh bag.
Why Do YOU Need Quick Clot?
In an emergency situation like an Earthquake or Tornado, wounds happen, and preventing a victim from bleeding out is of vital importance. First responders can’t always get to you or the victim in time to make a difference; staunching the bleeding with Quick Clot can safe a life. Consider all of the times you are away from first responders… camping or hiking, driving down the freeway, or even in your own home…. accidents happen. A slip of the knife in the kitchen, a fall on rocks in the mountains, a car accident, or even a wound from some sort of attack can all cause bleeding that NEEDS to be stopped. If you have Quick Clot, you buy valuable time.
How Do You Use Quick Clot?
Quick Clot will start forming a clot fairly quickly when used on a wound. If you are using QuikClot Combat Gauze, don’t just place it on the on the surface, pack it into the wound. Sort of push the gauze in layer by layer, then hold the gauze in place for three minutes. If the wound is deep enough, you may need to add a second or third layer. If you are using a Quick Clot sponge, place the mesh bag on the wound, and hold it in place for 5 minutes. Add a second if needed. Do NOT remove the first layer if you feel like it’s not enough, there is a clot forming under there If the bleeding has stopped, wrap the gauze filled wound with a Compression Bandage or pressure bandage to hold the Quick Clot gauze in place. This will also help keep it sterile. The bandage can be left on for up to 24 hours, which hopefully will give you time to get the injured person to a medical professional. Be sure to let the physician know that you used a homeostatic agent on the wound.
Storing Quick Clot
Quick Clot is incredibly forgiving, isn’t affected by heat or cold, so you can store it almost anywhere. The shelf life is around 3 years (so be sure to date your packages as they come in!). The bandages come in sealed packages, DON’T open them, or they won’t be sterile. (You will just have to stay curious).
Quick Clot is an ideal addition to any First Aid Kit. In case of emergency or accident, this special bandage will be invaluable. Since it comes in a variety of sizes, you can purchase the right ones for your various kits. Remember, in a crisis, you could be on your own for a while, equip yourself for a medical emergency, and you could save the life of someone you love.
[notice]This article is just one part of the puzzle, many more Prepper information articles and product reviews are available on the Back40 Blog. Learn about essential Prepper Supplies, gardening (survival seeds), stockpiling tools, the best goods for Barter, keeping your pantry up to date, and taking care of your family in an emergency. (Don’t be overwhelmed…. let Back40 help you survive.)[/notice]
