Researchers in Memphis are testing compounds that may help reduce the risk of hemorrhagic shock and save more lives. One product stops bleeding within seven seconds of application. Investigators hope to produce the compound in a form that can be applied quickly and completely - like a foam that would conform to the contours of the injury.

The second compound aims to stabilize the body and reverse loss of blood pressure associated with hemorrhagic shock, protecting the body's vital organs. Ideally, the combination of treatments would buy more time for victims to get proper medical care and reduce the risk of death.

The compounds are currently being tested for safety in animals. Scientists hope to soon test the treatments on injured soldiers in the battlefield. The research is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Defense Department.

SOURCES

National Library of Medicine, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000039.htm

Additional Information

Blood

Blood is the life-supporting substance that provides oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and carries away waste products. The average adult man has about 7 liters of blood in his body.

There are several important components in blood. Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, a molecule that carries oxygen to the tissues and gives blood its color. Two to three drops of blood contain up to one billion red blood cells. White blood cells are infection-fighting cells. There are several different types of white cells. Platelets are the components that help the blood to clot. They help reduce bleeding after an injury or surgery. Plasma is the watery portion of the blood in which the other blood components are suspended. It contains proteins and factors that aid in clotting and fighting infection.

Hemorrhage

Hemorrhage is a serious loss of blood over a short period of time. The condition is most commonly associated with severe trauma, but can also occur during surgery or childbirth.

When the body senses severe blood loss, it tries to stop the bleeding by producing a clot. Blood flow to the skin, muscles, and digestive tract is reduced, allowing remaining blood to nourish the brain, heart and kidneys. If the bleeding is not controlled, the body won't be able to compensate for the serious loss of fluid and oxygen. Blood pressure drops and heart rate becomes erratic. This condition is known as hemorrhagic shock. Eventually, the patient experiences organ failure and death.

Battlefield Hemorrhage

Researchers estimate about half of all deaths on the battlefield are caused by hemorrhagic shock. There are important reasons for the high casualty rate. Many battles occur in isolated areas. When a soldier is injured, medics often only have limited treatments available. It can take up to several hours to transport the victim to medical facilities. In some cases, ongoing battles or dangers in the field prevent medical personnel from promptly reaching an injured soldier.