CT-based company helps Haiti's injured

Wallingford, Conn. (WTNH) - A Wallingford Company is saving lives on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan. And now its breakthrough product will help the injured in earthquake ravaged Haiti.

Soon the product will be in the hands of medical personnel helping those badly hurt in Haiti. The maker, Z-Medica , is teaming up with Norwalk-based AmeriCares .

"The military was our first customer; already they've purchased about two million units," said Z-Medica CEO Brian Herrman.

Quick Clot Combat Gauze controls traumatic bleeding. And it's made by Wallingford based Z-Medica.

"We're in constant contact with the military, we hear reports back almost every week of a life saved, or somebody's arm that didn't have to be amputated because our product was used, and that's happening around the world," said Herrman.

It's safe and non-allergenic.

"The product consists of surgical gauze which is impregnated with a mineral called Kaolin. Kaolin is known for many years to promote clotting," said Z-Medica CMO Dr. Giacomo Basadonna.

Also, it's easy to use.

The gauze is applied with manual compression to control the bleeding.

"The way it works is that it promotes clotting by activating a protein in the blood which starts the process of clotting," said Dr. Basadonna.

Now, the critically injured in Haiti will also benefit.

"We are very much concerned in Haiti about injuries which result in the lost of lives and limb," said CMO of AmeriCares Dr. Frank Bia.

The disaster relief organization AmeriCares is getting a major donation from the company.

"It's a big issue right now because trauma continues, care of trauma patients continues," said Dr. Bia. "And the product is going to be extremely important, especially where the blood supply is very limited."

[And wherever AmeriCares extends its relief effort around the globe]

Right now the product is a medical device and is already in hospitals, emergency departments and carried by EMT's.

And when more of the health care community is educated, you can expect to see it eventually over the counter.