QuikClot Combat Gauze Z-Fold: Field Manual & Standard Operating Procedure

How to Guides - Product Field Manual SOPs - Luminary Global

QuikClot Combat Gauze Z-Fold: Field Manual & Standard Operating Procedure

Category: Medical Tape & Bandages

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

Complete Field Manual - FREE

Download the official step-by-step PDF guide.

📥 Download PDF Guide

Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

QuikClot Combat Gauze Z-Fold is a hemostatic wound packing dressing used by military, law enforcement, and high-risk civilian operators to achieve hemorrhage control in life-threatening external wounds where tourniquet application is not feasible.

The Combat Gauze is a sterile, 3-inch by 4-yard strip of non-woven gauze impregnated with a proprietary, inert, non-allergenic mineral agent. Upon contact with blood, the agent rapidly absorbs water from the blood, concentrating clotting factors and platelets to accelerate the body's natural clotting cascade. Unlike earlier-generation hemostatic agents, it produces no heat, eliminating the risk of secondary thermal injury to the casualty or the operator.

The Z-fold configuration is a deliberate field-readiness feature. It prevents the gauze from rolling away or becoming contaminated if dropped, and it allows single-hand feeding directly from the pouch into a wound cavity during high-stress deployment. The vacuum-sealed foil pouch maintains sterility and includes multiple tear notches for rapid, gloved-hand opening without fine motor skill demands or cutting tools. An integrated X-ray detectable strip allows surgical staff to confirm complete removal of all packing material before definitive wound closure.

The gauze is the primary tool for junctional hemorrhage control at the groin, axilla, and neck, and for deep tissue wounds that are not amenable to limb tourniquet application. Effectiveness may be reduced in casualties presenting with hypothermia or coagulopathies, and the protocol requires a minimum of three minutes of continuous direct pressure per application to allow robust clot formation.

Field Application Steps

1. EXPOSE AND IDENTIFY THE BLEEDING SOURCE: Cut away clothing to fully expose the wound site. Wipe pooled blood with plain gauze to locate the exact hemorrhage point, because pooled blood obscures the true source and direct contact with the bleeding vessel is required for the hemostatic agent to function.

2. OPEN THE PACKAGE: Open the vacuum-sealed foil pouch at any tear notch using a gloved hand. No cutting tools or fine motor manipulation are required. Confirm the gauze is accessible and oriented for single-hand feeding.

3. PACK THE WOUND: Using fingertips, push the leading end of the gauze directly onto the bleeding source. Feed and pack the gauze tightly and methodically, filling the entire wound cavity layer by layer. Methodical packing, not rapid stuffing, ensures consistent pressure contact against the damaged vessel along the full length of the pack.

4. APPLY DIRECT PRESSURE: Apply firm, continuous, two-handed pressure over the packed wound for a minimum of 3 minutes. Do not release pressure to check the wound during this period. Premature release disrupts clot formation and reverses hemostatic action.

5. REASSESS AND SECURE: Slowly release pressure and inspect the wound for continued hemorrhage. If bleeding is controlled, secure the packing with a pressure dressing or elastic wrap to maintain compression during evacuation.

6. MANAGE CONTINUED BLEEDING: If hemorrhage continues after the initial application, apply a second unit of Combat Gauze directly on top of the first. Do not remove the original packing. Reapply firm direct pressure for an additional 3 minutes before reassessing.

7. DOCUMENT AND REPORT: Record the use of hemostatic agent and the time of application on the casualty card. This information is operationally critical for receiving surgical and clinical personnel who will manage definitive wound closure and gauze removal.

Equip Yourself: QuikClot Combat Gauze Z-Fold – Hemostatic Dressing

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

View Product

LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.