Real-World Trauma Tech: Life-Saving Medical Gear for Shooters at SHOT Show 2025

By Richard Berk
Executive Producer for Utah Channel 3
Published: August 11, 2025

LAS VEGAS — For Southern Utah shooters, the thrill of the hunt or a day at the range is unmatched, but the risks of firearm-related injuries are ever-present. The Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show), set for January 20-23 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, will spotlight proven medical technologies designed to address ballistic trauma in the field. As Utah Channel 3’s Executive Producer with a focus on medical advancements, I’ve seen how these tools, showcased alongside the 2,700+ exhibitors drawing 60,000 attendees, are critical for hunters and marksmen who share our passion for outdoor sports.

Firearm injuries, whether from range accidents or hunting mishaps, demand rapid intervention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports over 40,000 annual firearm-related deaths in the U.S., with non-fatal wounds often causing severe bleeding—hemorrhage being the top preventable cause of death in trauma cases. SHOT 2025 brings battle-tested solutions to the forefront, equipping shooters with tools to bridge the gap between injury and professional care, especially in remote areas like Utah’s backcountry.

RevMedx leads with its XStat 30, a syringe device that injects cellulose sponges into deep wounds to control bleeding in under 20 seconds. Cleared by the FDA in 2014 for civilian use after military success, it’s a go-to for high-velocity injuries common in hunting accidents. At Booth #14567, RevMedx will showcase its lightweight applicator, ideal for packing into gear for elk season in the Wasatch. A 2023 study in Military Medicine confirmed XStat reduces blood loss by up to 70% compared to gauze packing, critical when medevac is hours away in places like Zion’s outskirts.

North American Rescue (NAR) will present its Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT) Gen 7 and Celox hemostatic granules at Booth #14923. The CAT, a one-handed tourniquet, is standard issue for U.S. military and first responders, with a reinforced windlass that stops arterial bleeding in seconds—vital for extremity wounds from stray rounds. Celox, a chitosan-based agent, clots blood on contact, even in hypothermic or anticoagulated patients, common among older outdoorsmen. Per a 2022 Journal of Emergency Medical Services report, Celox cuts clotting time by 60% versus standard gauze, and its dissolvable granules simplify wound management. NAR’s kits, under 1.5 pounds, integrate seamlessly into MOLLE gear for hunters or range bags for St. George shooters.

TacMed Solutions’ SOF Tourniquet and Trauma Kit, displayed at Booth #20312, round out the lineup. The SOF’s aluminum windlass withstands rugged use, while the kit’s QuickClot Combat Gauze, FDA-approved since 2008, promotes clotting in moderate to severe wounds. Independent trials show QuickClot reduces blood loss by 50% in high-pressure bleeds, a lifeline in remote settings. Compact and durable, these kits are tailored for Utah’s deserts, where dust and heat test gear to its limits.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) notes a 30% rise in trauma kit purchases among shooters since 2023, driven by increased backcountry activity and streamlined ATF e-Forms for range gear. However, proper training remains critical—studies indicate 40% of civilians misuse tourniquets without instruction. SHOT’s 2025 Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) will offer hands-on Stop the Bleed workshops, teaching attendees to apply these tools effectively, a focus I’ve seen save lives at medical conventions.

For Utah Channel 3 viewers, these advancements hit home. Our state’s high-desert ranges demand equipment that’s portable and reliable, much like the precision optics we’ve covered. Early-bird registration for SHOT closes November 15—secure your spot for Industry Day at the Range on January 20, where live scenarios will test these kits. In the unpredictable world of outdoor sports, SHOT 2025 proves preparedness is as critical as marksmanship.

Richard Berk is the Executive Producer for Utah Channel 3. Richard’s field of expertise is the medical field and covers medical conventions when he is not producing Utah Channel 3 content. Richard also shares the passion of outdoor sports as do all members of Utah Channel 3.