Unfortunately, it isn't always possible to evacuate a wounded soldier immediately to a medical facility, so the US Office of Naval Research (ONR) is sponsoring development of a new field dressing called Acute Care Cover for the Severely Injured Limb (ACCSIL), which not only covers wounded limbs, but reduces damage and protects exposed tissues for up to 72 hours.

Dressing wounds in the field, especially traumatic blast wounds, is a very serious and difficult business. Aside from stabilizing the patient by minimizing blood loss and fending off shock, the medic has to cover the wound properly. This keeps the exposed tissues moist so they don't deteriorate, as well as keeping out dirt and bacteria that can lead to infection and conditions like gangrene.