Biofoam

Self-sealing Biofoam was a marvel of UNSC medical accomplishment in the 2500s. Biofoam was a space-filling coagulant, antibacterial, tissue-regenerative foam polymer, that is inserted into the skin and even deeper into the body itself. This foam keeps damaged organs in place and helps stop bleeding and hemorrhaging. It is, unfortunately, very painful to use, being described as "burning ants crawling around the wound" or "thousands of tiny knives" stabbing the recipient. However, it doesn't 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 with no reaction from him. It was an improvised medical option when there are no medics available. Normally, bottles of biofoam are found in a Health Pack. Often UNSC medics will use it as a sealing agent during treatment in field hospital.

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

By October of 2552, the UNSC MJOLNIR Mark VI armor contained automatic biofoam injectors, which negated the need for Spartans to use Health Packs.

Trivia

 * Originally Biofoam was described as being able to "numb pain" in its description on MJOLNIR Mark VI armor, however canonically it has now been contradicted as being a very painful way to treat wounds. Additionally, it raises the question as to why it does not contain any numbing agents or anesthetic compounds. It could only be the application that is painful, quickly numbing after it settles.
 * Despite being a rather painful method of first aid canonically, when Biofoam is applied to Romeo's wound in Halo 3: ODST, he sighs with relief, rather than showing signs of discomfort. This might be the result of rigorous ODST training, or the fact that he could breath properly again.
 * In Halo: The Flood, when John-117 gives Fitzgerald Biofoam for his Needler wound, it is said to pack it off and numb it even though Biofoam has no numbing agents in it. This can be considered a mistake by the author.

Related Pages

 * Optican
 * Health Pack
 * Health