The invention relates to biocompatible polymer gel compositions useful in facilitating and maintaining hemostasis. The biocompatible polymeric gel composition is comprised of (a) one or more than one polyanionic polymer (b) one or more than one polycationic polymer and (c) a solvent. A preferred composition includes sodium alginate chitosan and water to produce an adhesive hemostatic device that is useful in facilitating and maintaining rapid hemostasis.