Teen entrepreneur Joe Landolina, now CEO of Cresilon, has revolutionized trauma care with his innovative TRAUMAGEL gel. This groundbreaking product, developed from his early experiments with plant-based chemistries in his grandfather’s winery lab, has proven invaluable in emergency situations. By controlling severe bleeding from gunshot wounds and traumatic injuries in seconds, TRAUMAGEL is credited with saving lives, including that of a Cobb County firefighter who was severely injured during a response at an abandoned house. The gel’s rapid action allows first responders to stabilize patients quickly, potentially reducing prehospital deaths by over 35%.
TRAUMAGEL’s effectiveness is being further tested by the U.S. Defense Department’s Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, where preliminary studies suggest the technology could also play a role in treating penetrating traumatic brain injuries (TBI). This ongoing research highlights the product’s potential beyond battlefield medicine, with applications in hospitals, dental offices, and even home first-aid kits. Landolina’s invention is not only a personal triumph but also represents a significant advancement in emergency medical care, demonstrating how early scientific curiosity can lead to life-saving innovations.