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Washington, DC—Today Congressman David Wu joined the U.S. Army in recognizing the enormous contribution HemCon Inc. has made to our soldiers in combat with its life-saving HemCon Bandage. The HemCon Bandage was named one of the 'Top 10 Greatest Inventions of 2004' by the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. This annual award recognizes new technologies impacting soldiers on the battlefield. Dr. Kenton Gregory, co-founder, received the award in Washington, DC today on behalf of HemCon Inc.
“I congratulate everyone at HemCon Inc. on what they have done for those who have selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way,“ stated Congressman Wu. “I am proud to represent HemCon Inc. and to support their innovative research. Ultimately, all Americans stand to benefit from this life-saving technology.”
The HemCon Bandage is made from a natural product called chitosan, a substance found in shrimp shells and other crustaceans. The chitosan bonds with red blood cells to form a clot and stop hemorrhaging. The 4"x4" bandage also creates a bond to seal the wound, replacing the traditional gauze and tourniquet used to stop severe bleeding.
For the past three years, the U.S. Army has used the new technology that has revolutionized the treatment of wounds on the battlefield. Due to its success, the Food and Drug Administration quickly approved the use of the bandage for the external control of severe bleeding and it is now included in the Army’s recommended guidelines for combat casualty care. Military physicians estimate that 90% of severely wounded soldiers in the battlefield most often die of blood loss before they can reach a medical facility. Continued use of the HemCon bandage will certainly prevent some of these unnecessary deaths.
Since Congressman Wu has been in Congress, he has supported HemCon in their research and procurement efforts by securing over $40 million in federal dollars. Congressman Wu continues to support HemCon as they broaden their efforts to develop an internal hemorrhage control dressing that can be used by Army surgeons to stop bleeding during surgery.
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