Getting shot is a fact of warfare - but being killed from a bullet wound isn't. A new experimental sealant claims to be able to stop the bleeding from a gunshot wound in 15 seconds.
The XStat's makers were inspired by the expanding foam used to fix tyres and other things.
"By the time you even put a bandage over the wound, the bleeding has already stopped," claims Steinbaugh.
The XStat contains rapidly-expanding sponges that create a barrier to stop bleeding. The manufacturer claims no pressure needs to be applied.
The sponges are made from wood pulp and are coated with chitosan, an antibacterial substance used in wine making that comes from shrimp shells. The syringes are tiny - either 30mm or 12mm diameter - and would replace five rolls of gauze in a soldier's kit. Each one would set the army back $100.
The XStat is still seeking approval from the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration, although the product has the backing of the army, which requested its approval and has gave the company $5 million to develop its prototypes.