MED-TAC International's gauze collection provides hemostatic combat gauze, plain gauze rolls and pads, z-fold and accordion-fold configurations, and specialty wound packing gauze for military medics, tactical EMS, and emergency responders. Every product is sourced direct from the original manufacturer. Gauze is the most versatile wound management tool in the trauma kit — used for hemorrhage control through wound packing, wound coverage, pressure dressing staging, and improvised airway management when indicated by TCCC and JTS protocols.
Plain gauze and hemostatic gauze both provide the mechanical wound packing necessary to apply direct pressure against a bleeding vessel — but hemostatic gauze additionally delivers an active clot-accelerating agent impregnated into the fabric. Plain gauze (sterile woven or non-woven cotton or synthetic) works by absorbing blood and creating a physical matrix for clot formation when combined with sustained manual pressure. It has no expiration-dependent active ingredient and is appropriate for wounds where rapid hemorrhage has been controlled or for wound coverage after hemostasis. Hemostatic gauze incorporates active agents — typically kaolin (QuikClot Combat Gauze) or chitosan (Celox Rapid, ChitoGauze) — that accelerate clotting by activating coagulation factors or directly binding red blood cells. For life-threatening extremity wounds not controlled by tourniquet, and for junctional or truncal wounds requiring wound packing, CoTCCC-recommended hemostatic gauze is the standard of care. See the Hemostatic Agents collection for the full range of CoTCCC-recommended hemostatic products.
The configuration of gauze matters significantly in the chaos of casualty care. Z-fold (accordion-fold) gauze is pre-folded in an alternating back-and-forth pattern, allowing providers to pack wounds without unspooling or re-folding — the gauze deploys consistently and continuously from the package, reducing the chance of introducing loose gauze fragments into the wound. Z-fold is the preferred configuration for CoTCCC training and the standard format for most hemostatic combat gauze products (QuikClot Combat Gauze, Celox Rapid). Roll gauze is more versatile for surface coverage, secondary dressings, pressure dressing staging, splint padding, and airway humidification when improvising nasopharyngeal airway packing. Gauze pads (2×2, 4×4) are used for wound coverage, absorptive primary dressings, and sterile procedure draping. For tactical kit configuration, z-fold hemostatic gauze is the primary wound-packing tool; a roll of plain gauze complements it for secondary dressing needs.
| Gauze Type | Active Agent | Best Use | CoTCCC Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuikClot Combat Gauze (z-fold) | Kaolin | Wound packing — life-threatening hemorrhage not controlled by tourniquet | Recommended (first-line hemostatic gauze) |
| Celox Rapid (z-fold) | Chitosan | Wound packing; effective in coagulopathic/anticoagulated patients | Recommended |
| ChitoGauze (roll) | Chitosan | Wound packing; roll format for versatile deployment | Recommended |
| Plain Sterile Gauze Roll (4") | None | Secondary dressings, pressure staging, wound coverage | Field standard (non-hemostatic use) |
| Sterile Gauze Pads (4×4) | None | Primary wound coverage, absorptive dressing, sterile field draping | Field standard |
Wound packing is the primary technique for controlling non-compressible hemorrhage — bleeding from wounds in the neck, groin, axilla, or truncal wounds where a tourniquet cannot be applied. Proper technique is critical: (1) Expose the wound — cut away clothing, expose the full wound opening. (2) Identify the bleeding source — visualize or palpate for the depth and direction of the bleed. (3) Pack directly against the source — insert the hemostatic gauze into the deepest part of the wound cavity, making direct contact with the bleeding vessel. Do not place gauze superficially over the wound. (4) Pack tightly and continuously — for z-fold gauze, feed the material into the wound while maintaining finger pressure on the leading edge; fill the entire cavity. (5) Apply direct pressure — maintain firm, sustained pressure for a minimum of 3 minutes (5 minutes for kaolin-based agents). Use body weight if available — do not release pressure early. (6) Secure with a pressure dressing — use an Israeli Bandage, OLAES, or equivalent. Document time of packing. The Bandages & Dressings collection covers pressure dressings for use over packed wounds.
A properly configured IFAK for TCCC compliance should contain at minimum: one z-fold hemostatic combat gauze (QuikClot Combat Gauze or equivalent CoTCCC-recommended product) for wound packing, and one plain gauze roll or pad for secondary dressings. Many military and law enforcement units configure their IFAKs with two hemostatic gauze products to allow simultaneous management of two wounds, or to provide redundancy in a through-and-through wound requiring front and back packing. Aid bags (68W medic bag, STOMP II, 3-day bag) should carry 4–6 hemostatic gauze units and multiple plain gauze rolls. When selecting hemostatic gauze, verify that the packaging is intact and within the manufacturer's expiration date — compromised packaging may allow moisture infiltration that degrades active agent efficacy. The IFAK Kits collection includes pre-configured kits with gauze already integrated.
Stock Your Wound Packing Supplies
CoTCCC-recommended hemostatic gauze and plain gauze — sourced direct from manufacturers for tactical kits, aid bags, and range trauma stations.
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
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