Innovative Medical Gel Transforms Emergency Response and Saves Lives

Imagine that stopping critical bleeding could be as easy as injecting a gel. This is the revolutionary promise of TRAUMAGEL, a cutting-edge, plant-based bleeding control gel currently deployed by first responders across the nation, including a fire department in metro Atlanta that recently used it to save an injured team member.

Created by Joe Landolina, co-founder and CEO of Cresilon, TRAUMAGEL acts swiftly to control bleeding from traumatic injuries, including gunshot wounds. Packaged in a compact 30-ml syringe, it can be quickly administered in emergency situations, providing a vital lifeline before a patient’s condition worsens. Shockingly, over 35% of prehospital deaths result from severe bleeding.

The Genesis of TRAUMAGEL

The origins of TRAUMAGEL can be traced back to a teenager in a winery lab. At just 17, Joe Landolina began developing this life-saving technology.

Landolina recounts, “My grandfather was a retired chemist who owned a vineyard in upstate New York. I spent my afternoons after school in his winery lab, developing a passion for chemistry and particularly for plant-based solutions sourced from nature around me.” This early exposure laid the groundwork for his subsequent research.

Turning Inspiration into Innovation

As a young researcher, Landolina experimented with polymers derived from algae’s cell walls. He discovered a matrix that would bond immediately with living tissue, an innovation that would later lead to his participation in New York University’s business plan competition.

The success from the competition propelled the establishment of Cresilon, which now operates out of a 55,000-square-foot biomanufacturing facility in Brooklyn, employing nearly 100 staff members.

Reshaping Emergency Medical Response

TRAUMAGEL is revolutionizing the response protocols medics use in high-pressure trauma situations.

According to Lt. David Kleiman from Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services, “TRAUMAGEL has changed our approach to treating traumatic injuries across various scenarios. Previously, in cases of junctional injuries occurring in spots like the neck or groin, traditional interventions such as digital pressure or wound packing necessitated multiple personnel and typically wasted valuable time.”

With the introduction of TRAUMAGEL, crews can now use a hemostatic agent to address bleeding efficiently within seconds. “Our teams can move on to comprehensive assessments and treatments, which allows for swifter transport to definitive care,” Kleiman adds.

A Life-Saving Demonstration

Recently, an incident highlighted TRAUMAGEL’s effectiveness. A firefighter in Cobb County sustained a hand injury while responding to a call at an abandoned property. After cutting his hand on glass, he initially tried to manage the bleeding alone but struggled to control it.

Kleiman describes the situation: “He realized he needed help when he noticed he was becoming pale and sweaty, with his turnout gear saturated in blood. Traditional methods fell short, prompting the team to apply TRAUMAGEL, which immediately stopped the bleeding.” Fortunately, the firefighter received treatment for blood loss and later fully recovered following surgery.

Broader Applications Under Investigation

Cresilon is not stopping with just first responders. The company is exploring more demanding environments for TRAUMAGEL’s applications.

Landolina mentions, “We aim to provide TRAUMAGEL to all first responders nationwide. Our technology is also under investigation for expanded uses at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, part of the U.S. Defense Department.”

This research focuses on addressing traumatic brain injuries. Landolina explains, “Preliminary results show our technology’s ability to control bleeding and offer neuroprotection after a TBI. We plan to pursue further research based on these promising findings.”

A Safe Future with TRAUMAGEL

Severe bleeding remains the top cause of preventable death due to trauma. By utilizing TRAUMAGEL, emergency teams can stem that bleeding rapidly, even before victims reach emergency care. Its applications extend beyond military or emergency medical services; potential future use in hospitals, dental practices, and even home first-aid kits is on the horizon. TRAUMAGEL could set a new benchmark in emergency bleeding management, translating to quicker medical intervention, improved patient outcomes, and precious lives saved.

The Path Ahead for TRAUMAGEL

This journey from a teenager’s lab experiment to a trusted emergency tool signifies a major advancement in trauma response. TRAUMAGEL is quick, efficient, and user-friendly—exactly what first responders require in life-or-death situations. As this gel gains traction among ambulances, hospitals, and emergency responders, its life-saving potential stands to increase significantly.

Should every fire department in the United States carry TRAUMAGEL? Would you consider including it in your home first-aid kit? We invite you to share your thoughts with us.