CELOX Rapid Ribbon

Key Specifications

Product Overview

CELOX Rapid Ribbon is the narrowest, most compact deployment format for Celox's Chito-R™ hemostatic technology. At 1 inch wide, it threads directly into narrow wound tracks created by handgun rounds, rifle fragments, and blade injuries — wounds where a 3 in. gauze strip cannot be efficiently inserted without force. The 1 in. format feeds more precisely into a narrow wound channel, making it easier to achieve contact with the actual bleeding source, which is the critical variable for hemostasis. Once in contact with blood, the Chito-R bioadhesive activates, forming a gel-plug that adheres to surrounding tissue and maintains hemostasis even during patient movement and transport.

The Rapid Ribbon was developed in direct response to operational feedback from combat medics and trauma responders who noted that packing narrow-entry wounds with standard 3 in. gauze required undesirable force and wound manipulation. The 1 in. × 5 ft. format threads naturally into these wounds while delivering the same Chito-R chemistry as Celox RAPID 3 in. gauze. In independent studies, Celox RAPID (from which the Ribbon derives its formulation) achieved hemostasis without compression in 75% of cases compared to 38% for Combat Gauze, and required only 60 seconds of compression vs. 3 minutes for current-generation hemostatic gauze — representing the fastest compression time available for any marketed hemostatic gauze at the time of publication.

The packaged footprint of the Rapid Ribbon (3.5 × 5.25 × 0.5 in., 1 oz) makes it exceptionally compact for everyday carry, uniform pocket storage, and vest-integrated medical pouches. The ribbon can be cut or torn to the required length for partial wound applications. Available in MARCH Red packaging for TCCC-organized medical kits and Tactical Dark Green for operational low-profile carry. Shelf life is 5 years from manufacture with no special storage requirements — consistent with other Celox gauze products.

How to Apply

1. Expose the wound and identify the narrow-entry wound track.
2. Open the pouch and unpack the 1 in. ribbon.
3. Insert one end of the ribbon into the wound track and guide it to the bleeding source, feeding in the gauze as it unfolds.
4. Pack tightly into the wound, ensuring the ribbon makes contact with the bleeding site.
5. Apply firm direct pressure for 60 seconds. If bleeding persists, continue for an additional 60 seconds.
6. Excess ribbon can be cut or torn if needed — ensure the remaining material maintains contact with the wound.
7. Secure with a pressure bandage and monitor during transport. Leave in place until definitive care.

Ribbon vs. Standard Celox RAPID Gauze

Both the Ribbon and the standard 3 in. Celox RAPID contain the same Chito-R bioadhesive formulation and require only 60 seconds of compression. The difference is format: the 1 in. Ribbon is designed exclusively for narrow-entry penetrating wounds where a 3 in. strip cannot be efficiently inserted. For accessible wounds with sufficient diameter for standard gauze packing, Celox RAPID 3 in. is preferred for more complete wound cavity filling. Advanced trauma kits often include both formats to cover all wound geometries.

For complete hemorrhage control solutions, see MED-TAC's hemostatic agents collection, massive hemorrhage control kits, and IFAK kits.

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.