Rohan Williamson, special to wtop.com

WASHINGTON — A new piece of military technology may change battlefields as we know them. It’s not a new weapon; it’s a new type of bandage.

Anthony Pusateri, portfolio manager of the Department of Defense Hemorrhage and Resuscitation Research and Development Program, says in a news release that hemorrhage is the leading cause of death on the battlefield.

A new type of bandage may change that forever.

The Smithsonian reports that the new XStat is a syringe that can be applied directly to a deep wound, stopping bleeding in 15 seconds.

It does not take long to apply the shot, which fits in a pocket. The Smithsonian also reports it has the same amount of gauze as five large rolls and is glazed in chitosan, a material that specializes in soaking up blood.

The new technology is in the process of being patented.

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