This week from the Wilderness and Environmental Journal. Curious about climbing chalk’s medical uses? A recent study investigated its hemostatic properties for minor wounds. Researchers found that while climbing chalk had no notable effect on prothrombin time, it did significantly reduce the PTT. This suggests climbing chalk may have a procoagulant effect on the intrinsic coagulation pathway. However, the authors do not recommend using it as a hemostatic agent just yet. Why? The study did not assess the risk of infection, proper dosage for wounds, or other potential complications. More research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of using climbing chalk on minor wounds in the wilderness.