Perspectives on the management of non-compressible torso hemorrhage: A narrative review

Abstract

More than 50% of combat casualty deaths on the battlefield occur minutes to hours after a person has been wounded. Approximately 25% of those fatalities could potentially be prevented if rapid hemorrhage control or temporization were feasible. Despite several technologies to temporize non-compressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH), an ideal device and method have not yet been developed, particularly for Role 1 military medical treatment facilities and civilian prehospital settings. This article summarizes the devices and adjunct methods currently available to temporize NCTH when surgical and interventional radiology control are not readily accessible. New technologies under investigation are also discussed.