New era of transparent compression to control bleeding from traumatic wounds: Removing the blindfold

While many issues regarding emergency care of polytrauma are still under debate, it is agreed that immediate control of acute external traumatic hemorrhage is the most critical instance where intervention by the rescue team plays a decisive role in determining the fate of the wounded. The aim of this report is to describe the evolution of a novel procedure for treating the bleeding wound that offers clear and obvious advantages. The method uses an elastic, adhesive dressing (ELAD) that eventually resulted in a single unit, utilizing a transparent material. This product is also termed Rapid Wrap™ (currently developed by Rapid Healing Technologies). The elastic adhesive dressing application is performed by placing the contact pad over the area of injured tissue and rapidly wrapping the roll component over the wound with growing tension. This paper follows the development of a new life saving device and demonstrates rewarding research for the treatment of profusely bleeding injuries.