The people at Isracast have alerted us to this story about a potential replacement for both the tourniquet and compressive bandage, called the ELAD (for elastic-adhesive):
The ELAD successfully eliminates the disadvantages of the techniques and equipment currently in use by providing a self-adhering elasticized compression dressing. The self-adhering surface provides superior compression and affords simple rapid use of the rolled dressing over diversely shaped body parts. The bandage requires minimal extension in the application, and is therefore particularly suited for use in confined spaces and where no assistance is available. Effective control of bleeding is achieved by variable compression over the absorbent pad. This pad can incorporate a coagulant for further efficacy when used on surface areas where high compression pressures are difficult to achieve (neck, groin). The bandage is constructed of transparent material, so that it will be possible to visually observe possible continued bleeding. The main advantage of the ELAD is it ability to stop bleeding quickly, thus freeing the paramedic or doctor for other lifesaving activities.
We thought this kind of sounded like Saran Wrap, and indeed, the inventor, Dr. Sody Naimer, admits the material is quite similar. He also has some critical words for another Israeli wound dressing recently blogged about here.
More from Dr. Naimer’s published abstract…