Biomedical foam

Biomedical foam, often shortened to biofoam, is a self-sealing, space-filling coagulant and also an antibacterial, tissue-regenerative foam polymer used by the United Nations Space Command as a form of medical first aid. This foam keeps damaged organs in place and helps stop bleeding and hemorrhaging from wounds such as; lacerations, abrasions, contusions, punctures, thermal and/or electric burn wounds. Two chemicals combine creating a mixed-cell foam. Biofoam is inserted into the skin and deployed deeper into the body. It is very painful to use, at least initially, described as feeling like "burning ants crawling around the wound" and "thousands of tiny knives" stabbing the recipient. However, biofoam has been described as being able to numb pain.

It is likely that only the application is painful, and that the biofoam quickly numbs the wound after settling. Biofoam does not seem to have this kind of painful reaction when applied to an unwounded area, as the Rookie is seen spraying a small amount on his uninjured fingers and does not react in pain. It is often used as a medical option when there are no medical personnel available. Bottles of biofoam are found in Health kits. Often UNSC medics will use it as a sealing agent during treatment in field hospitals.

The effects of biofoam are temporary, and after a time, usually a few hours, it simply breaks down. Therefore, it is normally a form of first aid, used only as a temporary sealant until proper medical attention can be sought.

The MJOLNIR Mark VI armor contains automatic biofoam injectors, which negated the need for SPARTANs to use Health kits.

Trivia

 * Despite the insertion process being rather painful, when biofoam is applied to Romeo's wound in Halo 3: ODST, he sighs with relief, rather than showing signs of discomfort. This might result from his rigorous ODST training, be due to his relief that he can breathe properly again, or it could be due to the biofoam numbing the pain of his lung wound.
 * The reason that biofoam hurts when it is first injected is probably due to the expansion of the foam to seal the wound. When it's in place it stops expanding, thus relieving the pressure.
 * Near the end of 2012, DARPA developed a strikingly similar technology, expanding foam is injected into the abdominal cavity through the naval to control internal bleeding for a couple hours so the soldier can get to a doctor.
 * As seen in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, it is rather white/beige in color.

List of Appearances

 * Halo: The Fall of Reach
 * Halo: First Strike
 * Halo: Landfall
 * Halo 3: ODST
 * Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn

Related Pages

 * Optican
 * Health kit
 * Health

Biofoam