Chitosan is categorized as what type of compound?

Chitosan is categorized as a hemostatic agent because it plays a critical role in promoting blood clotting and controlling bleeding. Hemostatic agents are essential in tactical combat casualty care as they help stabilize patients who are experiencing traumatic hemorrhage. Chitosan works by interacting with blood and tissue, enhancing platelet aggregation and assisting in the formation of stable clots. This property makes it particularly valuable in emergencies where rapid hemorrhage control is necessary to prevent death from blood loss. While it may have some applications in infection control and wound care due to its biocompatibility and ability to form a protective barrier, its primary use in a tactical context is as a hemostatic agent aimed at stopping bleeding.