ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County EMS has added a new bleeding-control tool for time-critical emergencies, and has used it to treat a severely injured firefighter.
In late August, crews used TRAUMAGEL, an algae-based, syringe-delivered gel, to stop a volunteer firefighter’s bleeding when his hand was cut by a miter saw, WCSC reported.
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Volunteer Firefighter Casey Bolin became the first person in the state to be treated with the gel, according to WCSC. A tourniquet was applied to control severe bleeding, raising concerns about possible amputation. Paramedics then used the gel, which helped stop the bleeding and gave Bolin a chance to save his arm.
“It stopped the blood from bleeding, from hemorrhaging,” Bolin said. “I had a lot of pain too, so I was able to take the tourniquet off and Life Net and all of those that came there quickly, they got me to the hospital and to the surgeons, and I believe that saved the functions of my hand.”
Orangeburg County EMS Training Captain Jeff Elian made the call to use the gel. He said the team had completed three days of in-service training beforehand, which showed how the product can save precious seconds in an emergency.
The gel received FDA approval in August 2024 and entered the market in October 2024.
