In the high-stakes world of emergency response, the tools you rely on can mean the difference between life and death. One of the most critical tools in trauma care is the hemostatic agent —a substance designed to control bleeding rapidly and effectively. Two leading options in this space are SEAL Hemostatic Wound Spray and QuikClot . But how do they compare? And which one should be in your kit?
Let’s dive into the science, usability, and field-tested performance of both products so you can make the most informed decision for your team.
What Are Hemostatic Agents?
Hemostatic agents are substances that help the body form blood clots more quickly to control bleeding. They’re vital during the "platinum ten minutes" and "golden hour" of trauma response—periods during which rapid intervention can dramatically improve survival and outcomes.
These agents work through:
Physical barriers,
which seal wounds and limit blood flow.Chemical interactions, which accelerate the body's natural clotting processes.
You can read more about their clinical relevance in this overview from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) .
Meet the Contenders: SEAL vs. QuikClot
QuikClot: The Legacy Hemostatic Gauze
QuikClot has long been a staple in military medicine and emergency care. It uses kaolin, a naturally occurring mineral, to activate the body’s clotting cascade. QuikClot is typically available in gauze and sponge form, making it ideal for packing into wounds and applying pressure.
SEAL Hemostatic Wound Spray: A Modern Innovation
SEAL Hemostatic Wound Spray, developed by BC3 Technologies, represents the next generation of hemostatic solutions. This FDA-cleared aerosol spray uses chitosan, a natural biopolymer derived from crustacean shells, to form stable clots even in patients with impaired clotting ability.
SEAL has been deployed worldwide across civilian EMS, military, police, and fire departments, with impressive results in both field and hospital settings.
Chitosan vs. Kaolin: A Scientific Showdown
How Kaolin Works
Kaolin initiates clotting by activating Factor XII , part of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. This helps accelerate clot formation—unless a patient is on anticoagulants or has a coagulopathy, which can reduce its effectiveness.
More on kaolin and clotting pathways: NCBI: Kaolin-activated clotting tests
How Chitosan Works
Chitosan doesn’t rely on the body’s clotting cascade. Instead, it forms clots via:
Electrostatic interaction : Its positive charge attracts negatively charged red blood cells and platelets.
Antimicrobial properties : Chitosan inherently reduces infection risk, making it a double-threat in trauma care.
According to recent peer-reviewed studies , chitosan-based products have shown significant effectiveness in coagulopathic and anticoagulated patients , where traditional agents may fail.
Field Performance: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | SEAL Hemostatic Wound Spray | QuikClot |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Spray-on application—no packing or pressure needed | Requires packing and direct pressure |
| Wound Coverage | Ideal for irregular and deep wounds |
SEAL Hemostatic Spray – OTC Bleeding Control for Home, Travel & Emergency Use
SEAL 1.5oz Hemostatic Spray is a patented fast-acting, over-the-counter (OTC) solution designed to stop bleeding from minor cuts to more serious wounds—right when and where you need it.
Using advanced chitosan technology, SEAL forms a protective barrier that promotes natural clotting and shields wounds from contaminants. The fine mist spray allows for hands-free, non-contact application, making it ideal for quick response in stressful situations.
Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, this 1.5oz can is the perfect addition to your home first aid kit, travel bag, glove box, or hiking pack.
What First Responders Are Saying
Firefighters, EMS crews, and tactical medics who’ve used SEAL report:
"Immediate hemostasis with minimal effort."
"A game-changer for complex lacerations and trauma."
"Easy to train with and deploy in chaotic environments."
These testimonials echo results seen in real-world emergency care —especially where seconds count and traditional gauze may fall short.
Cost & Training Considerations
While both products are competitively priced, SEAL may offer cost savings through faster application, reduced training time, and less disruption in follow-up care.
Learn more about purchasing and training programs through BC3 Technologies .
Final Verdict: SEAL or QuikClot?
Both SEAL and QuikClot are proven life-saving tools, but the versatility, ease of use, and performance of SEAL Hemostatic Wound Spray make it a top pick for modern first responders.
If you're dealing with complex wounds, coagulopathic patients, or extreme conditions, SEAL provides a fast, safe, and effective edge.
Take Action: Equip Your Team
✅ Request a Free Demo
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✅ Get Training
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