Part of the M in MARCH. Accelerate clotting in wounds a tourniquet can't reach -- neck, axilla, groin, and deep extremity. Shop by agent type -- kaolin, chitosan, or novel formats.
Hemostatic dressings accelerate clotting where a tourniquet cannot be applied — the neck, axilla, groin, and deep extremity wounds. We stock evidence-based kaolin and chitosan agents selected based on clinical function and field experience, supplied in the Z-fold gauze, ribbon, and applicator formats modern trauma care relies on.
Hemostatics are part of the M in MARCH. They are packed directly onto the bleeding source and held under firm pressure for at least 3 minutes — pair with wound packing technique and pressure dressings, or compare every chemistry and format on our Hemostatic Agent Comparison Guide.
Hemostatic gauze does not replace the clotting cascade — it concentrates and accelerates it at the bleeding source. Kaolin is an inert mineral that activates Factor XII and the intrinsic pathway on contact, driving rapid fibrin formation. Chitosan, derived from shellfish, works independently of the cascade by carrying a positive charge that binds negatively charged red cells into a mucoadhesive plug — an advantage in a casualty who is anticoagulated or coagulopathic.
Current doctrine favors impregnated gauze over loose granules or powder. Gauze can be packed directly against the bleeding vessel deep in a wound, holds pressure, and is fully removable. Loose agents are harder to direct, can wash out of a high-flow wound, and earlier exothermic formulations risked tissue burns — which is why the original granular products were retired from field use.
| Agent | Mechanism | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kaolin | Activates the intrinsic clotting pathway | The most widely fielded agent in U.S. military IFAKs |
| Chitosan | Charge-based mucoadhesive plug | Works even with impaired clotting |
It is used to control compressible bleeding that a tourniquet cannot reach, such as wounds to the neck, armpit, groin, and deep in an extremity. The gauze is packed onto the bleeding source and held under firm pressure.
Kaolin activates the body's own intrinsic clotting pathway, while chitosan forms a charge-based adhesive plug that works even when clotting is impaired. Both are clinically evaluated, evidence-based standards in gauze form.
Gauze can be packed directly against the bleeding vessel, holds pressure, and is fully removable. Loose granules are harder to direct, can wash out, and earlier exothermic versions risked burns, so they were retired from field use.
Hold firm, direct pressure for at least three minutes. The hemostatic agent needs sustained contact time with the wound to form a stable clot before you secure it with a pressure dressing.
Yes. Hemostatic dressings carry an expiration date and should be stored sealed and within temperature range. Check the date on each product and rotate stock so field kits carry in-date dressings.
MED-TAC International is a Medical SME-led, veteran-led tactical medicine provider. Equipment recommendations are based on clinical function, evidence-based standards, and field experience. This content is educational and is not a substitute for hands-on training or medical direction.
Two distinct mechanisms accelerate clotting in wounds a tourniquet cannot reach. Both are field-proven, evidence-based standards in gauze form for junctional and deep extremity hemorrhage.
Kaolin is a naturally occurring aluminosilicate mineral that activates the intrinsic coagulation cascade through contact activation of Factor XII. This accelerates the body's natural clotting process without generating heat -- a critical improvement over older zeolite formulations that caused exothermic burns.
Chitosan is a polysaccharide derived from crustacean shells. It works through mucoadhesion -- sealing the wound bed while independently aggregating red blood cells and platelets. Chitosan is effective even in patients on anticoagulants, as it does not rely on the normal clotting cascade.
The doctrine standard. Folds accordion-style for easy packing into deep wounds. Stays in place, removes cleanly. Available in 3" and 4" widths.
The CELOX-A applicator delivers chitosan granules directly into narrow, deep wound tracks. Ribbon format offers rapid deployment for irregular wound shapes.
SEAL Spray delivers a chitosan-based hemostatic mist for external surface bleeding. Axiostat patches and Dynarex cellulose pads provide flat topical coverage for surface wounds.
Find the source. Identify the bleeding point. If the wound is deep, use a finger to locate the artery or vein before packing.
Pack from depth. Force the gauze directly onto the bleeding source, filling the wound cavity from the bottom up. Pack tightly.
Hold 3 minutes. Apply firm, sustained pressure for a minimum of 3 minutes. Then cover with a pressure dressing.
Compare all 17 hemostatic agents by active ingredient, format, and key features to find the right dressing for your kit.
| Product | Agent | Format | Key Feature | Clinical Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QuikClot Combat Gauze | Kaolin | Z-Fold Gauze (3" x 4 yd) | The original kaolin gauze, clinical benchmark standard | Field-Proven |
| QuikClot Combat Gauze XL | Kaolin | Z-Fold Gauze (4" x 5 yd) | Extra-large format for large cavity wounds | Field-Proven |
| QuikClot Combat Gauze - LE | Kaolin | Z-Fold Gauze (LE Packaging) | Law enforcement-specific packaging and labeling | Field-Proven |
| ChitoGAUZE XR PRO | Chitosan | Z-Fold Gauze (3" x 4 yd) | Chitosan gauze with extended-release clotting action | Field-Proven |
| ChitoGAUZE XR2 PRO | Chitosan | Z-Fold Gauze (3" x 4 yd) | Next-gen chitosan formulation, improved packing density | Field-Proven |
| CELOX Z-Fold | Chitosan | Z-Fold Gauze (3" x 10 ft) | High-density chitosan gauze, works on anticoagulated patients | Any Recommended |
| CELOX RAPID | Chitosan | Z-Fold Gauze (3" x 5 ft) | Chitosan granule-bonded gauze; 1-minute manufacturer compression hold | Field-Proven |
| CELOX-A Applicator | Chitosan | Granule Applicator (6 g) | Plunger syringe delivers chitosan granules deep into narrow wound tracks | Specialized Track |
| CELOX Rapid Ribbon | Chitosan | Z-Fold Ribbon (1" x 5 ft) | Narrow 1-inch ribbon for penetrating tracks, blast fragments, and epistaxis | Narrow Cavity |
| Axiostat Z-Fold | Chitosan | Z-Fold Gauze (3" x 4 yd) | 100% chitosan-based, strong mucoadhesive seal | Mucoadhesive |
| Axiostat L88 Patch | Chitosan | Flat Patch (8 x 8 cm) | Chitosan patch for wide, shallow wound surfaces | Surface Pad |
| CHITOSAM 100 | Chitosan | Z-Fold Gauze (3" x 6 ft) | 100% non-woven chitosan gauze, compact IFAK-friendly size | Compact IFAK |
| TACMED OLAES Hemostatic Bandage | Chitosan (ChitoGauze PRO) | 4" Pressure Bandage + 3" x 12 ft Z-Fold | ChitoGauze PRO stored inside OLAES wound pad -- pack and wrap from one pouch | Integrated System |
| Dynarex Hemostat Dressing 4" x 4" | Cellulose | Flat Pad (4" x 4") | Soluble regenerated cellulose pad for minor topical and surface bleeding | Surface First Aid |
| SEAL Spray OTC | Chitosan | Aerosol Spray | Aerosolized chitosan formula for external surface bleeding | Surface Spray |
| SEAL Spray PRO | Chitosan | Aerosol Spray (Professional) | Aerosolized chitosan formula, Rx professional-use concentration | Rx Professional |
| WoundClot EMS | Cellulose Polymer | Z-Fold Gauze (3" x 39") | Bio-absorbable cellulosic gel matrix, no mineral or shellfish components | Bio-Absorbable |
Evidence-based standards recommend both kaolin-based (QuikClot) and chitosan-based (CELOX, ChitoGauze) hemostatic gauze for junctional and deep wound hemorrhage control based on proven clotting acceleration and field experience. Always pack the gauze directly onto the bleeding source and hold firm pressure for a minimum of 3 minutes. Pair with a pressure dressing to maintain compression. FDA and CE compliant where applicable per manufacturer specifications. This comparison table is not all-inclusive and is subject to expansion or retraction at any time. MED-TAC does not claim to offer every hemostatic option on the market.
Each component is selected based on published clinical studies, field performance data, and professional user feedback -- not manufacturer marketing. We evaluate the broad medical equipment ecosystem to identify field-proven tools across specialized manufacturers rather than relying on single-vendor catalogs.
Single vendors excel in one category but may compromise in others. We select proven tourniquets from one manufacturer, specialized hemostatic dressings from another, and high-adhesion chest seals from a third -- optimizing kit readiness around clinical function rather than vendor exclusivity.
Components selected on proven clinical function, evidence-based standards, and the MARCH framework. Government procurement documentation, competitive bidding support, and agency purchasing compatibility available. Component traceability and assembly quality control on every kit.
