Don_G -

So sorry, Marine, but you will always be a "boot" to me. 3rdMarDiv in I Corps 1966-67. Go to the Z-Medica website for additional information about the latest version of QuikClot, but carry whichever you prefer.
As to why the SAS carries Celox, do you think it might have anything to do with the fact that Celox is a UK product?

jdollar -

Thanks for your input Doctor. Please note that I have never suggested anyone NOT apply direct pressure to a wound. Direct pressure has been an accepted method of first aid as long as I can remember and I presume it to be common knowledge. While the use of a tourniquet, has been controversial over the years, I have two listed in my IFAK contents and would never hesitate to use them if I thought one was needed. Also note that a QuikClot Z-Fold is a bandage that can be applied directly to a wound like any other bandage, shirt, neckerchief or any other item, but with the added benefit of Kaolin for Hemostasis, before direct pressure is applied. It takes no longer to open and employ the QuickClot than to open a sterile dressing (or remove a shirt). If I'm bleeding and have the choice of a "plain" bandage or a QuikClot bandage, I'll opt for the QuikClot every time, thank you very much. As I've said before, working in a clinical environment, like a trauma center, or an ambulance is a far different situation than being in the remote bush of africa where professional help may be 6 hours or more away. No disrespect, but I don't need you to pass gas in the bush. This is FIRST AID intended to preserve life until removal to a professionally staffed and equipped medical center is possible, and by definition it should be self explanatory. Ever try maintaining direct pressure on a wound while a victim is being carried for miles on foot in a field expedient litter or in the back of a Toyota truck while bouncing down a deeply rutted dirt track in the bush or on a non-medical charter plane?

All -

While I fully expected this thread to be of interest and provide some degree of controversy, I honestly never expected so many folks, both regular hunters and medical professionals alike, to have such a complete mis-understanding of the new products - only 10 years on the market - and the proven and documented history of their use in saving lives as well as their continued refinement. I am also amazed that so many who have knowledge seem to assume that I have none and am only counting on the "miracle" of QuickClot to be the savior. Information that is 5 years old is ancient history as regards these products. I also find it interesting that the majority of initial replies were from people who DO have knowledge of, and have chosen to carry QuickClot as part of their life saving kit and are fully prepared to self utilize it if needed.

An essential part of my adult life was spent in pre-planning major responses to critical incidents of all sorts of natures, everything from armed hostage taking to combat to natural disasters, etc. This mandated my work with many M.D.s, among others. One thing I learned is that a diverse discussion, such as this thread, is always helpful and that most contributors, while speaking from the perspective of their own professional life experiences, are sincere in their desire to be helpful and to contribute to a planned solution.

I wonder how many here on AR have discussed the location of the PH first aid kit, its contents and what the emergency plan is, should the client or PH/staff suffer a traumatic injury while in the bush? How do you work the radio on the PH belt or in the truck and what channel is used for emergencies? Do the trackers understand the plan and speak/understand english? We all count on the PH to be the hunt team leader, but what's the plan if he gets shot in the elbow with a 500 NE, hooked by a Buff, mauled by a cat, flattened by an Ele or killed out in the field?

Ganyana -

Not to worry, I always leave all my unused drugs and supplies with my PH at the conclusion of my safari. I know they will be put to good use. And you are spot on about bringing it if you need it, 'cause it ain't available once you're on the charter.

quote:

Ever try maintaining direct pressure on a wound while a victim is being carried for miles on foot in a field expedient litter or in the back of a Toyota truck while bouncing down a deeply rutted dirt track in the bush or on a non-medical charter plane?

All -

no, have you?? i do know an ace bandage and a pack of sterile 4x4's will provide enough pressure to occlude arterial blood flow into any area outside a body cavity. and any first aid kit should contain both. the only thing i take with me to Africa( and leave behind) is medical grade( i.e. sterile) super glue to close minor lacerations. works great- it used it on myself for a serious foot laceration on a hunt in Moz.

I for one greatly appreciate this thread Lionhunter. Sure opened my eyes. Just realized I have had no first aid instruction since Scouts, circa 1968 or earlier ...

Lionhunter,

I would like to thank you for the information and it will surely raise awareness and possibly save a life. I thinks it's kind of short sighted and a bit arrogant to attmept to denigrate your information. So what if by using Quickclot or just properly applied pressure the result is acheived. As long hemostasis IS acheived. Also someone mentioned back in the thread that many geezers going on safari are on aspirin, cumadin, Plavix etc. All of which could prove problematic in a traumatic situation. As I see it the worst you have done is bring a gun to a knife fight. Lets say for example that YOU are the one bleeding and are going into shock. Is everyone around you highly trained in trauma medicine? I might just make that small difference between life and death.

Jeff

I think I have read and re-read virtually all of the posts in this thread and my conclusion is"

Yes

A whole host of folk are arguing the same side:
Be prepared

All have said:
1. know what to do (i.e. take a course, read a book, etc);
2. have some supplies (from the shirt off your back to the belt from your trousers to more advanced stuff);
3. have a plan for transport/evacuation (sat phone, tracker runs back to camp to fetch help, etc)

I tend to bring a lot of stuff and even have an AED in my car 24/7. Needed the basics in Africa a few times and the more advanced stuff in the Allegheny mountains once. Having the stuff is good, but knowing how to use it is imperative. That AED wouldn't be of much value if I hadn't taught my brother and dad what to do should I be the one to need it - and it's no more complicated than plugging in a toaster and pushing down the lever. But you do need to know to do both to make toast.

Great thread and rather timely. Frankly, I really couldn't find any disagreements amongst the protagonists aside from "Less filling" vs. "Tastes great"