QuikClot, HemCon or Celox? What are you using?

[ALSfirefighter]

Just trying to get an idea of what is out there.

What are you using?

Pro's/con's?

For those that have used 2 or more what are the differences?

I have used quikclot, however I did have one patient where it caused a small second degree burn near the wound due to my patient being fairly sweaty and he had enough moisture to cause this. I have heard/read Celox will not cause this and HemCon is a newer agent I've just began researching in my area.

Any tactical medics out there let me know what you're carrying.

Thanks!
ALS

[Resq14]

I carry 1st gen Quikclot in my patrol blow-out kit. Luckily I haven't had to use it in this capacity. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to use it in any capacity.

The new QC ACS is supposedly cooler and more functional in its gause form. This is on my list of stuff to buy.

Everything I've read about Hemcon is great, except for its price- which might not be as much of an issue in a bigger dept.

It sounds like some big advances are being made, and that z-medica is working on some type of silica/silver paste that works even beytter.

I think I read about it on the lightfighter forums... and I think I've seen your posts there, ALSFF.

[rhuebner]

Regarding QuikClot, just so you have accurate information:

As of November 2006 Z-Medica has a new Cooler Formula products for the domestic EMS, and Law Enforcment called QuikClot ACS+ and QuikClot 1st Response. Products come in 1/ 100 Gram and 5/ 25 gram units. Product is contained in a porous Surgical bags (no loose granular) with a working temp in vitro of 105 degrees.

Product information and training can be viewed and down loaded from the website www.z-medica.com

For anybody requiring information to do an informed comparison please contact me and I will supply Clinical study data along with MSDS sheets, training CD, and information on the new generation of products.

FDA has also cleared QuikClot Sport to be an OTC product this will have the option of antibacterial that was refered by one responder with a silver ingredent.

[doughesson]

A friend of mine told me of an expedient measure of using sugar on an open wound to stop the bleeding.The stuff crusts over and that clotting action is what works.
I never knew the QuickClot could cause burns.All the ads I've seen say that it's harmless.How does that happen?

[Resq14]

An exothermic reaction occurs when zeolite (active ingredient in Quikclot) comes into contact with moisture/water. See above post from what appears to be a z-medica rep regarding the new generations of Quikclot.

[JHR1985]

I just use 4x4's to stop the bleeding

[1greenberet]

Just trying to get an idea of what is out there.

What are you using?

Pro's/con's?

For those that have used 2 or more what are the differences?

I have used quikclot, however I did have one patient where it caused a small second degree burn near the wound due to my patient being fairly sweaty and he had enough moisture to cause this. I have heard/read Celox will not cause this and HemCon is a newer agent I've just began researching in my area.

Any tactical medics out there let me know what you're carrying.

Thanks!
ALS

For those of you that are considering other options, please take a look at the attachments, these are file I came across from my own research. My research in CELOX has only solidified my opinion, that CELOX is far more superior in preformance and cost much less than any of it's competitors.

[1greenberet]

I have done research on this topic, I came across a study that was done at Portsmouth Naval Hospital that confirms all three products(Hemcon/Quickclot/CELOX) out of the three; CELOX out preformed it's competitors. I will be more than happy to share my findings. In short, the response from the SF community about this product is absolutely astonishing; they rate this CELOX an A over it's competitors. CELOX does not have hypothermic properties

[mchase4857]

I recently witnessed the new Quick Clot product (first response) in action,it was used on a 43 year old male GSW to the R Abdominal cavity with a perforation of the R Femoral Artery. We used two 25 gram units and direct pressure dressing to
slow and stop the bleed. The clot held and he was in surgery in thirty minutes from beginning of call. The new Quickclot (first response) is packaged in easy to use sponge form in a white (civilian) EMS friendly package. The thermic reaction is minimal now and my patient suffered No burn injuries. The Original version did cause a thermal reaction,however you must balance the lifesaving properties of that version of the product with the possibility of such a occurance. Pro-your patient survives,bleeding stops,Con- a burn occures,but your patient still survives when not using the product has a negative impact on survival!
I have experience with CELOX as well,in the Trauma room it was found to be difficult to maintain on the wound site and migratory in the circulitory return(floating clot maker). This was a problem shared by the granular version of the original quick clot and was remedied by placing the product in sponge form. Helicopter rotor wash no longer blows it around on scene!
I have not used HEM-CON,mainly due to the per unit cost and the fact most wounds I see involve a cavity and a sponge fits inside better then a flat topical dressing,I like to pack the bleeder and leave room for a pressure dressing to control it.
I had not heard of sugar being used before ,however infection control comes to mind as well as control of the crystals in the blood stream.
Quick Clot also is proven to work on Hepronized blood and I see a lot of post hospital patients who still have a hep lock in place as I operate near inner city hospitals.
Thats my two cents worth.

[mchase4857]

Just a bit of information,The new product from Quick clot I used is sold in a five pack 25 gram per pack box for 39.99 retail,thats about $8.00 per 25 gram sponge packet. I read the distributor pricing from CELOX and was surprised to see the cost compared to QUICK CLOT.
Something to think about when you work on a budget.

[RyanEMVFD]

We are about to get the Quik-Clot. I don't know the size thing.

[mchase4857]

Quick Clot first response is the new EMS version in white packaging,IT IS PACKAGED IN A 0.88 0Z./25 GRAM SIZE SPONGE. I understand it will be available in a 50 gram sponge soon. The military version is available in a 100 gram sponge. Hope that helps,E-mail me or go to www.z-medica.com for a training dvd on the Quick clot! My email is mchase4857@yahoo.com

[MikeBFR]

Has any one used ActCel hemostatic gauze?

[280]

Just need an update>>> how are they doing? any problems?

[ALSfirefighter]

Have had no significant problems from any of the 3 I have tried and the new quikclot didn't cause any of the thermal issues I had experienced with the old product when I used it. Currently in my tactical vest I am carrying quikclot and celox (I have HemCon, but the department won't be replacing it when it expires or gets used). This decision was based on cost, ease of use and several other the tactical medics on the team felt the HemCon was more difficult to get into the wound if the bandage was bigger then the injury.