QuikClot Its Time To Upgrade Your Gauze

QuikClot is more than just expensive gauze

  At first glance, QuikClot looks like normal gauze but is 10x more expensive than its brother basic cotton gauze. So what's the difference and is it worth the cost? Current QuikClot bandages are coated with a blood clotting agent called Kaolin. When the inorganic mineral Kaolin which resembles powdered clay comes in contact with blood it promotes and accelerates natural blood clotting. QuikClot with Kaolin is the only hemostatic (blood stopping) dressing to be used by the entire US Military.

But it causes 2nd Degree Burns, right?!

  In 1984 the clotting agent Zeolite was discovered by Mr. Frank Hursey. Shortly after 9/11 the DoD conducted detailed tests of substances that can stop bleeding. QuikClot impregnated with Zeolite received the best score and was approved for use in the Iraq and Afghan theaters. Although Zeolite is a very effective clotting agent it produced a exothermic (heat producing) reaction. The heat was substantial enough to cause 2nd degree burns. Newer Zeolite bandages (Z-Gauze) come pre-hydrated which produces less heat and does not cause burns. Currently the vast majority of blood stopping bandages use Kaolin which produces no heat.

What is the best choice?

  QuikClot is currently the main producer and market holder. However, there are other brands that work equally as well; Celox, BleedStop, WoundSeal, and even Curad bandaids can be purchased with blood stopping coatings. The market has also moved past gauze and you can find pourable powder packets and powder filled plungers. These make packing these in your kit easy and lightweight. Look at the options and see what works best for you.

Here are some of the choices I have in my personal kits:

Celox Plunger Set

Trauma Pak

Celox Small Packets

QuikClot 3in x 2' Z-Fold

Final Thought

  It is fair to say we all want the best product for our particular need. So with that in mind, my main med kit will have a couple choices of QuikClot style gauze bandages. My vehicles as well as my gun range bag have a Trauma Pak of QuikClot . On my smaller bug out bags I have small powder packets of Celox. Remember these have a shelf life so keep track of on your checklists!