Survival Medicine Podcast: Hemostatic Dressings

The control of major hemorrhage (called “hemostasis”) is the territory of paramedics and trauma surgeon in normal times. In survival scenarios, however, the family medic is unlikely to be either of these. Although direct pressure on a bleeding wound may stop the bleeding, there are times when it just ain’t enough. In such cases, tourniquets are the best first course of action, but they can’t stay on there forever.

While tourniquets, gauze rolls, and Israeli battle dressing will help stop bleeding, they don’t have anything special in them that specifically aids in the clotting process.

In the last several decades, however, special substances have been identified that can help control the loss of blood. If you know how to properly use them in an emergency, often in conjunction with a tourniquet, you’ll increase an injured patient’s chances of survival. Off the grid, having a supply of these will save lives. Dr. Joe Alton and Amy Alton talk about different hemostatic dressings, including some improved ones that can still serve as a way to stop bleeding.

All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy!

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