What it is:

Quikclot saves lives by rapidly stopping severe bleeding. It is composed of an inert mineral substance that can be formulated and delivered to meet a variety of medical needs and applications.

How it works:

QuikClot is a molecular sieve, sifting molecules by size. When QuikClot comes into contact with blood in and around a wound, it rapidly takes in the smaller water molecules from the blood. The larger platelet and clotting factor molecules remain in the wound in a highly concentrated form. This promotes extremely rapid natural clotting and prevents severe blood loss. Nano-engineered particles provide key surface chemistry, rapidly enhancing the body's natural coagulation process.

--From experience the QuikClot ive had to use looks alot like a Kitty Litter substance, In the military we usually only use these type items when the wound is so severe we have no other choice or its located in an area where a tourniquate cant be place (example: the neck or the groin area). I know also from experience when the chemical reaction starts from the QuikClot that it burns, all you really need is water and the powder and your set.

Now days QuikClot comes ina varity of different styles and package sizes but as most other products of its type isnt very cheap. However when it counts its definately not a bad item to have in your med bag.