DRESSING, HAEMOSTAT., chitosan rapid Z-fold. 7X150cm (Celox)

A sterile, non-bioabsorbable dressing made with chitosan intended to be applied to traumatic wounds in emergency situations (e.g., road accidents, combat, emergency rescue) to produce a rapid haemostasis by forming a robust plug of gel which is removed after use; it is not intended for surgical use.

Haemostatic agents use is limited to the severe-moderate bleeding as temporarily dressing before referral to the closest hospital before definitive control.

Mucoadhesive agents create a strong adherence to tissues and physically seal bleeding wounds. Most brands use chitosan, a naturally occurring, bio-compatible polysaccharide derived from shellfish, and work in this fashion.

On contact with anionic erythrocytes, the chitosan salts rapidly ‘cross-link', adhering strongly with the wound surface. This adhesive process is thought to be the primary mechanism of action; independent of platelets or clotting factors.

Chitosan is extracted from shrimp shells, there are however no cases on record of allergic reaction to chitosan based haemostatics, even in those with a known seafood allergy.

The primary treatment for all serious bleeds is direct pressure; all haemostatics are designed to be used with direct pressure at the site of the bleed – directly onto the bleeding artery, deep within the wound if necessary. Haemostatic dressings are not a ‘magic powder' that can be casually applied somewhere near the wound and left to work.

• Tear open pack. Take out the Celox and take one end of the Z-folded gauze.
• Tightly pack the unfolding Celox directly to the source of the bleeding. Pack remaining wound cavity with Celox or standard gauze. Excess Celox can be torn or cut if necessary.
• Apply FIRM pressure directly to the wound for AT LEAST ONE MINUTE or until bleeding stops.
• Wrap and tie with a bandage so as to maintain pressure on the wound.
• Discard any remaining Celox.
• Transfer patient to medical facility as soon as possible.
• Show empty pack to medical personnel (do not assume the hospital will know how to deal with the haemostatic you have applied)

For further care: physically remove gauze from the wound and any loose surface granules. Fully flood entire wound area with sterile saline irrigation solution. Proceed with normal irrigation and / or suction. Ensure all product is removed from the wound prior to initiation of wound treatment.