Celox (chitosan) for haemostasis in massive traumatic bleeding: experience in Afghanistan.

The use of Celox, a chitosan-based haemostatic agent, for the control of massive traumatic bleeding in patients arriving at a ROLE 2 (Enhanced Care) Facility in southwestern Afghanistan is described. Twenty-one soldiers with gunshot wounds were treated with successful haemostasis in 18 at the first application and in three after further applications. Celox is an effective haemostatic agent and a useful adjunct for the treatment of massive traumatic bleeding.