Topical hemostatic agents and dressings in the prehospital setting.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Death from exsanguinating hemorrhage remains a priority in the management of combat casualties and civilian trauma patients with truncal and junctional injuries. Appropriate use of hemostatic agents and dressings in the prehospital setting may allow for earlier control and an improved survival rate.

RECENT FINDINGS: Third-generation chitosan-based hemostatic agents and dressings appear to be equally efficacious to the dressing currently deployed by the US military forces in the management of hemorrhage not amenable to tourniquet placement. Unfortunately, a lack of clinical trials places a heavy reliance on anecdotal reports and laboratory studies in agent selection and application.

SUMMARY: Efficacy of currently available hemostatic agents and dressings appears to have plateaued in recent years although new agents and delivery mechanisms under development may improve control in cases of severe hemorrhage.