UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Indications
- 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.
- QuikClot gauze contains x-ray detectable strips.
References
References
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Directorate
Clinical Services
Responsible Manager
Head of Clinical Services
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