Ambulances in the United States may now be equipped with life-saving sponges to prevent gunshot victims from bleeding out.

The device, called XStat Rapid Homeostasis System, was developed by USA-based company RevMedx.It's a large syringe filled with tablet-formed sponges made of cellulose and coated with chitosan - homeostatic drug stimulating coagulation and preventing the development of bacterial infections. The contents of the syringe is injected into the wound, then sponges instantaneously absorb blood, expanding and stopping the bleeding.

The device was cleared last year for use on the battlefield, but now, the FDA has approved it for civilian use too.

Each sponge injection can absorb about half a liter of blood, and up to three injections can be made. Sponges may remain in the wound for four hours.

bbabo.Net