One Celox™-A haemostat Applicators used for healing small entry and penetrating wounds, made by MedtTrade Products Limited, Crewe, Cheshire, England, 2016

Pre-loaded into an applicator, six grams of Celox™ are used to stop bleeding from bullet or stab wounds. Designed for use by military medics and emergency services, Celox™ contains chitosan, a material derived from chitin found in crustacean shells. When chitosan comes into contact with blood, it makes a gel similar to a blood clot. Once the person is at a medical facility and stable, the gauze can easily be removed. Blood loss remains the most life-threatening part of battlefield wounds. The immediate provision of medical care within the first 10 minutes of wounding, known as the ‘platinum’ period, is viewed as the most important period for survival.