To quickly control bleeding restoring haemostasis in traumatic external wounds.
Initiate the coagulation cascade and clotting process by activating factor XII on contact with the inert mineral kaolin impregnated in the gauze.
Use for moderate to severe bleeding wounds as a second line agent after adequate haemorrhage control techniques have been exhausted.
Contraindications
Sucking chest wounds.
Eye or airway injury.
Wounds involving exposed organs (eg:bowel).
Patient Factors & Considerations
More than one QuikClot gauze may be required.
The potential for contact with bodily fluid is high during this procedure.
Haemostatic dressings are not to be used as a replacement for adequate haemorrhage control measures (eg: direct pressure, or tourniquet).
Haemostatic agent may be less effective if haemodilution secondary to fluid resuscitation has occurred.
Pelvic and abdominal wounds may be deep and difficult to ascertain vessel injured, may not respond to haemostatic agent if not in direct contact with vessel.
Procedure
Preparation
Appropriate PPE required.
Expose injury and identify source of bleeding. Explain procedure to the patient and provide adequate pain relief, secondary to immediate life-saving haemorrhage control.
Prepare both QuikClot gauze and pressure bandage.
Procedure
Apply direct firm pressure on bleeding vessel if able whilst preparing QuikClot.
Pack the QuikClot gauze directly into the wound at the bleeding source (wound bed or vessel).
Once the wound is firmly packed apply consistent pressure for at least 3 minutes or until bleeding stops.
Reassess for further bleeding.
Once bleeding has ceased apply pressure bandage to maintain direct pressure.
Success
Do not remove QuikClot gauze after packing
wound if bleeding ceased.
Discontinue
Discontinue
Additional Information
If QuikClot gauze completely soaked through
and still bleeding, remove completely and apply a fresh pack of
QuikClot gauze,
following the same steps.
Ensure receiving hospital aware that QuikClot
gauze has been used, document time of
application.