Headliners! Hot Products from EMS EXPO 2004: Part 1

Surrounded by Southern hospitality in Atlanta, GA, the 2004 EMS EXPO was not only a great success, it was in a great venue. As with any EMS EXPO, a large part of that success came from the incredible support of the vendors and manufacturers who filled the Exhibit Hall. The attendees got a great opportunity to see firsthand the newest goodies and gadgets for our profession. In many cases, attendees could actually meet the people who created, designed or built the products, adding an even more personal touch to the experience. This year, I received more than 110 submissions for new and innovative products, making the decision to ferret out these products even more difficult. Thanks to every vendor and manufacturer who took the time to submit a product for consideration this year. Listed below please find Part 1 of this year’s Hot Products from EMS EXPO 2004.

ActCel Hemostatic Gauze from ActSys Medical, Inc.

Paying close attention to the basics has always been the platform for quality EMS care. Conversely, inattention to airway, breathing and circulatory problems will almost guarantee problems with any call, and can certainly compromise survivability for those serious or critical patients who are hanging in the balance. Within the realm of basic care comes the task of bleeding control. I believe the ActCel hemostatic gauze from ActSys is going to be a must-have in our trauma kits.

With more than four years of proven performance in the dental market, ActSys only entered the EMS market in the last few months with its patented hemostatic gauze made from regenerated cellulose. Immediately upon contact with blood, the ActCel gauze converts to a glucose gel and begins to expand to 3–4 times its initial size, exerting direct pressure on the vessels that are bleeding underneath the gauze. The ActCel gauze unites with platelets, reacts with factor 12, and stabilizes blood clots by accelerating fibrin cross-linkages. In most cases, bleeding is completely controlled in less than 120 seconds, including lacerations, abrasions, punctures, capillary bleeds and even arterial bleeds.

ActCel is sterile, hypoallergenic and contains no chemical additives that might delay healing—though it does have bacteriostatic properties—nor does it contain thrombin or collagen. Once ActCel has performed its bleeding control magic, it can be left in place to dissolve on its own in about two weeks. If there is a need to remove the ActCel, it can be irrigated away with water, normal saline or hydrogen peroxide in just a matter of minutes.

The ActCel gauze is a next-generation bleeding-control product that is available now. Don’t go on your next trauma call without it.

For more information, call 800/808-9094, or visit www.actcel.com.

CoFlex-NL Printed Bandages from Andover Coated Products

I have always been one of those EMSers who considers seriously ill or injured pediatric patients a personal Achilles heel. No matter how many peds courses I’ve been through, those nearly overwhelming feelings just would not go away. Whenever confronted with those tense pediatric moments, I try to assess and treat at the highest level possible, in hopes that I can, at least in part, compensate for my mental shortcomings. Because of this predisposition, I have always had an interest in any peds-specific products that might improve overall care. As such, I was immediately drawn to these new to the EMS market CoFlex printed bandages. I’m pretty sure that the dinosaurs, hearts, happy faces, cars, butterflies and flowers will elicit a smile from most kids, but these bandages have some great performance qualities as well. The CoFlex bandages are cohesive, latex-free and can be hand-torn, making them quick and easy to apply. In addition, they have excellent tensile strength and provide controlled compression. If you put them on loose, they stay loose. If you need more compression and put them on a bit tighter, they stay that way and do not tighten further. Available in 2", 3" and 4" widths, they come in “Kid’s Packs” that feature all six designs, allowing your peds patients to pick their favorite print.