Bleed Control Kit Tutorial - Always Be Prepared
So, you're not a medic! Neither are most of us...
That doesn't mean that the most important lessons of combat lifesaving can't be available to you. Use this tutorial to learn how to use the most difficult tools included in your Bleed Control Kit: The Combat Application Tourniquet®, QuikClot Combat Gauze® & HyFin® Chest Seal. Our team has military experience in both Combat Arms and Mortuary Affairs, which is why we urge you to always be prepared.
C-A-T® Tourniquet
When a traumatic injury occurs, blood loss begins a race against time. It frequently happens that a person could bleed to death before assistance can be procured, or lose so much blood as not to be able to go through an operation. A simple device, used for millennia, exists to limit this flow which is called a tourniquet. Manual hand twisting of a rope around a stick is the premise behind its application but modern design now prevents as much tissue and nerve damage as possible in the patient's extremity.
The Combat Application Tourniquet® has a single routing buckle system that allows for extremely fast application and effective slack removal. The patented C-A-T® is a true one-handed tourniquet proven to be 100% effective by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research. Tests proved that the C-A-T® completely occluded blood flow of an extremity in the event of a traumatic wound with significant hemorrhage.
Features:
- Proven to be 100% effective in occluding blood flow in both upper and lower extremities by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research
- Official tourniquet of the U.S. Army, IDF and most militaries worldwide.
- Reinforced windlass, windlass clip, stabilization plate and highly visible security tab includes a writeable area to record the time of application
- NEW Generation 7 with Improved Single Routing Buckle for faster application, decreased blood loss, effective slack removal, fewer windlass turns, and simplified training with single protocol application standards.
- Full Strap Length: 37.5 inches/95.25cm, Strap Width: 2.17"/5.5cm.
The C-A-T® utilizes a durable windlass system with a patented free-moving internal band providing true circumferential pressure to the extremity. Once adequately tightened, bleeding will cease and the windlass is locked into place. A hook and loop windlass retention strap is then applied, securing the windlass to maintain pressure during casualty evacuation. The C-A-T®’s unique dual securing system avoids the use of screws and clips which can become difficult to operate under survival stress or where fine motor skills are compromised.
(Take it from someone who's needed 3...WARGASM™ Co's founder survived a blast in the battlefield with a double amputation. Don't be caught in a bleed out without this in your kit- A matter of life or death for you or your loved one.)
Familiarize yourself with these official training videos for the best explanation of how to utilize a tourniquet on your own appendages or another person's.
Quick Launch Feature Guide
Arm, Self Aid Application Guide
Arm, Buddy Aid Application Guide
Leg, Self Aid Application Guide
Leg, Buddy Aid Application Guide
QuikClot Combat Gauze®
Additional clearances for QuikClot® products include:
Temporary external use to control traumatic bleeding.
Local management and control of surface bleeding from vascular access sites, percutaneous catheters, etc.
QuikClot® devices are as intuitive to use as surgical dressings; however, they are impregnated with kaolin, an inorganic mineral that has been known for more than half a century to accelerate the body’s natural clotting cascade
Is the active ingredient in QuikClot® devices a drug or biologic?
Neither. Unlike other commonly used hemostatic devices, QuikClot® products do not contain animal or human proteins, which may cause allergic reactions. The active ingredient in the newest generation of QuikClot® dressings is a naturally occurring inorganic mineral called kaolin, which has been known for more than half a century to clot blood
Does it burn?
No. QuikClot kaolin products do not produce heat.
If kaolin comes off of the dressing, are there any adverse effects?
Several studies have been performed to assess the safety of the kaolin-based products including biocompatibility studies. These studies have shown that kaolin is safe and has no negative effect on tissues.
More severe and traumatic wounds may require additional dressings. In such cases, multiple QuikClot® devices may be used per the Instructions for Use.
How long can QuikClot® devices be left on the wound?
The dressings may be left on the wound site for up to 24 hours. QuikClot®devices are nonabsorbable and indicated for external use only.
How easy are QuikClot® devices to remove?
QuikClot® devices are easy to remove. If the dressing is adhered to the wound, hydrate prior to removal. Gently remove the dressing from the wound and thoroughly irrigate.
Do QuikClot® products have an expiration date?
Every QuikClot® device has an expiration date stamped on the package. Always refer to the expiration date and do not use products that are expired.
How should QuikClot® devices be stored?
Many QuikClot® devices were designed to withstand a variety of environments. EMS/first responder, law enforcement, and military products can withstand high temperatures and high humidity, as well as below freezing temperatures. Hospital products are packaged differently to allow aseptic handling and should be stored at temperatures of 77°F (25°C) or less. It is advised that all products be stored in a dry location, out of direct sunlight, and not in direct contact with heat sources. Storage instructions may differ between products. Always follow the directions on the label of the product you are using.
Mechanism of Action Animation
Combat Gauze Training Video (WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT)
HyFin® Chest Seal
The HyFin® Chest Seal is a self-adhesive occlusive dressing designed for the treatment and management of an open chest wound caused by a penetrating trauma, such as a gunshot or stab wound. A penetrating chest wound creates an opening in the chest wall through which air can enter the chest cavity; commonly referred to as an "open pneumothorax." The HyFin® Chest Seal utilizes an enhanced adhesive gel formulation designed to create a superior seal even in extreme conditions to treat and manage an open pneumothorax while preventing the development of a “tension pneumothorax,” which is one of the top three leading causes of preventable deaths on the battlefield. The HyFin® Chest Seal is specifically designed to overcome adverse conditions in austere environments where the casualty may be covered in blood, sweat, body hair, or other environmental contaminants when a reliable chest seal is mandatory.
Featuring a large 6 x 6 in. size, the transparent design allows for accurate placement directly over the wound, easily conforming to the casualty’s chest. A large, easily-visible red elliptical tab facilitating single step peel-and-adhere application is incorporated into the HyFin®'s design. Made in America and 100% latex free, each chest seal is packaged using its signature Red Tip Technology® red tear notches in a rugged, easy-to-open, foil pouch to ensure high quality performance. Maximum success in managing open chest wounds requires an effective, easy-to-use and reliable chest seal. The HyFin® Chest Seal addresses each of these requirements and more.
Directions for Use:
1. Wipe dirt/ fluid from skin with gauze.
2. Grip red tab to peel clear liner from dressing.
3. Place dressing on patient, adhesive side down, centered over wound.
4. Firmly press dressing to skin for good seal.
Chest Seal Instructions
These 3 tools are top-of-the-line essentials in lifesaving. Supplement this tutorial with additional references to round out your reflexes for when they are needed most. Maintain that situational awareness to stay as safe as you can.
-WARGASM™