How One Road Accident Led to a Life-Saving Bandage That Stops Bleeding in Seconds
3 October 2025
3 October 2025
He watched a man bleed on the road, feeling completely helpless. That single moment of horror sparked an invention that's now saving lives in seconds.
This is the story of Leo Mavely, who as a young student, couldn't shake the image of that accident. The ordinary cotton gauze was useless against the gushing wound, and he knew there had to be a better way.
So, this bioengineer from India decided to solve a problem that claims millions of lives. His mission was to create a solution for uncontrollable bleeding that anyone could use, instantly.
He found his magic ingredient in the most unexpected place – the humble shellfish! He discovered that a natural polymer called Chitosan, found in their shells, had incredible life-saving properties.
Think of it like a super-strong magnet for blood. The bandage is positively charged, and our blood is negatively charged, so they instantly stick together to form a strong, artificial clot.
And so, Axiostat was born – a simple sponge-like dressing made from 100% Chitosan. You just take it out and press it onto the wound, stopping even severe bleeding in around 2 minutes.
Why does this matter so much for India? Over 40% of our road accident deaths are due to blood loss, losing lives in that critical "golden hour." This isn't just an invention; it's a lifeline for our roads.
Today, this 'Made in India' miracle is a standard part of the battle kits for our Indian Army, BSF, and NSG commandos. It's an Indian innovation protecting the very people who protect our nation.
From the battlefields, it has reached our top hospitals like AIIMS in Delhi, helping doctors control bleeding quickly during critical procedures.
The world took notice, and Axiostat earned a prestigious US FDA approval – a rare honour for an Indian medical product. It's now used in over 40 countries, a true testament to Indian ingenuity.
Leo’s ultimate dream is for Axiostat to be in every car’s first-aid kit and every home in India. An idea born from a moment of empathy on an Indian road, now ready to save anyone, anywhere.
One person’s determination to make a difference can truly change the world. Let's celebrate this incredible Indian innovator and his life-saving vision!