ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County EMS has added a new bleeding-control tool for time-critical emergencies, and has used it to treat a severely injured firefighter.

In late August, crews used TRAUMAGEL , an algae-based, syringe-delivered gel, to stop a volunteer firefighter’s bleeding when his hand was cut by a miter saw, WCSC reported.

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Volunteer Firefighter Casey Bolin became the first person in the state to be treated with the gel, according to WCSC. A tourniquet was applied to control severe bleeding, raising concerns about possible amputation. Paramedics then used the gel, which helped stop the bleeding and gave Bolin a chance to save his arm.

“It stopped the blood from bleeding, from hemorrhaging,” Bolin said. “I

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