Quikclot Combat Gauze
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QuikClot Combat Gauze is a haemostatic gauze designed to help control severe bleeding by promoting rapid clot formation when packed directly into a wound. It’s used in trauma situations where direct pressure alone may not be enough.
Severe bleeding from traumatic injuries can be difficult to control with pressure alone, particularly in deep or irregular wounds.
QuikClot Combat Gauze is designed to be packed directly into a bleeding wound, where its haemostatic properties support clot formation while sustained pressure is applied. It’s widely used in trauma care and included in many professional bleeding control kits.
This sterile, 3 in. x 4 yds. (7.5 cm x 3.7 m) Z-folded, nonwoven gauze is impregnated with kaolin—an inorganic mineral that activates Factor XII to accelerate the body’s natural clotting ability. It creates a robust clot to stop bleeding fast, giving responders more time to move patients through the continuum of care.
QuikClot Combat Gauze is effective for gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other large, non-compressible injuries where tourniquets can't be used.
Haemostatic Gauze vs Standard Gauze
| Feature | QuikClot Combat Gauze | Standard Gauze |
|---|---|---|
| Primary function | Supports clot formation in severe bleeding | Absorption and basic wound coverage |
| Haemostatic agent | Yes | No |
| Wound packing | Designed for deep wound packing | Limited effectiveness |
| Use with pressure | Required for effectiveness | Often insufficient for severe bleeding |
| Common use cases | Life-threatening bleeding, trauma care | Minor bleeding and dressings |
Haemostatic gauze is intended for severe bleeding when standard gauze and pressure may not be sufficient. Training is strongly recommended.
- Kaolin haemostatic agent — impregnated with kaolin, a naturally occurring inorganic mineral that activates the body's clotting cascade at the wound site. Non-exothermic — no heat reaction.
- CoTCCC recommended and DAPA listed — the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) recommends QuikClot Combat Gauze as the haemostatic dressing of choice for junctional and compressible haemorrhage control.
- Z-fold format for rapid deployment — z-folded for controlled, fast packing into wound cavities. Same placement technique as standard gauze — no additional skill set required.
- Vacuum-sealed packaging with 8 tear points — compact, sterile, and fast to open under pressure with gloved hands.
- X-ray detectable strip — allows clinical staff to confirm gauze placement and removal via imaging at the point of surgical care.
- Safe for transport — leave in place once packed. Does not need to be removed in the field. Suitable for patient transport to definitive surgical care.
- NSN 6510-01-562-3325 — NATO stock number for defence and government procurement.
- Single-use sterile product — not reusable. Replace after any use or if packaging is compromised.
What is QuikClot Combat Gauze used for?
QuikClot Combat Gauze is used for wound packing to control severe, life-threatening haemorrhage from deep or junctional wounds — injuries in the groin, axilla, and neck where a tourniquet cannot be applied. It is packed directly into the wound cavity and held under firm pressure to form a stable haemostatic clot. It is the haemostatic gauze specified by the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) and is used as standard by military medics, paramedics, and tactical first responders worldwide.
How does haemostatic gauze work?
QuikClot Combat Gauze is impregnated with kaolin — an inorganic mineral that activates Factor XII in the coagulation cascade, accelerating the body's natural clotting process significantly faster than standard gauze. When packed into a wound and held under sustained pressure, the kaolin interacts directly with blood to form a stable, adherent clot. Unlike earlier haemostatic products, kaolin-based gauze does not produce an exothermic (heat) reaction and is non-allergenic.
What is the difference between QuikClot Combat Gauze and regular gauze?
Standard gauze is absorbent — it soaks up blood but does nothing to accelerate clotting. QuikClot Combat Gauze is impregnated with kaolin, which actively promotes clot formation at the wound site. For life-threatening haemorrhage from a deep cavity wound, standard gauze applied with pressure may not be sufficient to stop bleeding in the time available. Haemostatic gauze is the clinical standard for these scenarios in military and prehospital trauma settings.
What is the difference between QuikClot Combat Gauze and QuikClot EMS gauze?
Both use kaolin as the active haemostatic agent and perform comparably in clinical use. QuikClot Combat Gauze is z-folded for rapid deployment into deep wound cavities — the format specified for TCCC and tactical applications. QuikClot EMS Rolled Gauze is the civilian EMS format, rolled for flexible packaging in a wider range of kits. The choice between them typically comes down to kit configuration and intended use.
Does QuikClot Combat Gauze cause a burning sensation?
No. Kaolin-based QuikClot products do not produce an exothermic reaction. Earlier generation QuikClot products used zeolite, which did generate heat and caused concern in clinical settings. All current QuikClot Combat Gauze is kaolin-based — no thermal injury risk.
Do I need training to use QuikClot Combat Gauze?
Yes — training is strongly recommended. The product is intuitive, but correct wound packing technique — finding the bleeding source, packing from the base of the cavity, and maintaining firm pressure for the required duration — takes practice to perform reliably under stress. A single session with a wound packing trainer significantly improves performance. See TacMed's Wound Packing 101 guide for full technique detail.
Can QuikClot Combat Gauze be used in an IFAK or trauma kit?
Yes — it is one of the three core components of any properly configured bleeding control kit or IFAK, alongside a tourniquet and pressure dressing. QuikClot Combat Gauze is included in TacMed's pre-built trauma kits and is available individually for custom kit configuration.
Can civilians use QuikClot Combat Gauze?
Yes. QuikClot Combat Gauze is legal to purchase and use in Australia and is carried by trained civilians, outdoor responders, and Stop the Bleed participants. Appropriate training in wound packing technique is strongly recommended before carrying it in a personal kit.
How long should haemostatic gauze stay in a wound?
Leave the gauze in place until the patient reaches surgical care. Do not attempt to remove packed haemostatic gauze in the field — removal risks disrupting the clot and restarting haemorrhage. Apply a pressure dressing over the packed wound to secure it for transport, mark the time of application, and arrange urgent evacuation.
How long does QuikClot Combat Gauze last in storage?
QuikClot Combat Gauze has a five-year shelf life from date of manufacture when stored in its original sealed packaging, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Check expiry dates when rotating kit contents annually.
Does QuikClot replace professional medical care?
No. QuikClot Combat Gauze is an immediate haemorrhage control tool — it buys time until surgical care is available. All penetrating trauma and serious bleeding injuries require urgent medical attention. Pack the wound, secure it, and arrange evacuation without delay.
📦 Shipping Overview
- Flat rate: $12.95 Australia-wide
- Free shipping: Orders over $250
- Dispatch time: 1–2 business days (Mon–Fri)
🚚 Delivery Estimates
- Metro areas: 3–7 business days
- WA & NT: Up to 10 business days
- During peak or promo periods: Please allow additional time
📍 Delivery Instructions
Please provide a delivery address where someone is available during business hours. PO Boxes are accepted. If unattended, your order may be left in a secure location or taken to the nearest post office or depot.