Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => Tips and Tricks => Topic started by: 2 Frazzled on March 04, 2016, 07:56:56 am
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We have a very well packed first aid kit on board the Phoenix but a recent mishap has made me reevaluate what should be in there. While we are not usually in full wilderness camping mode, we have been far from other people on several occasions and usually don't know exactly where an emergency facility is so we need to be ready.
The mishap was while we were putting the vinyl windshield cover back on the rig at the storage site. I think my left hand is jealous of my right hand because it slammed the driver door on it really hard... hard enough for the door to latch. I was able to yank the door open-mid scream to get the hand out but the gash on the knuckle did not want to stop bleeding. Luckily we were within 2 miles of an Urgent Care facility. Watching them glue my finger back together gave me the inspiration to update our first aid kit. We already carry a first aid clotting agent (there is a special one for those on blood thinners also), gauze bandaging, butterfly bandages and first aid tape, but I am adding super glue and steri-strips which is what they used on me. The glue seals the gash and the steri-strips act almost like stitches (let the glue dry first). They used a medical super glue but I figure the standard stuff will do in a pinch. I am also adding the stretch bandages that stick to themselves because those are way easier than wads of tape and they make an excellent outer wrap on the injury.
Mini First Aid training: The gash on my finger was on a knuckle, not terribly deep but gapping wide and bleeding. The first aid was: 1) Soak the finger in a cup of Iodine (owwee) then pat dry with sterile gauze; 2) put the super glue in the wound, line up the edges, squeeze shut and blow to dry - try not to glue your fingers to the patient; 3) stick steri-strips across the wound like stitches; 4) cover with bandaids (or gauze and tape); 5) splint; 6) wrap with the stretch bandage. Instructions are to keep dry at least 24 hours and let steri-strips fall off on their own... and watch for infection. Voila, no need to hunt for a medic! (Deep wounds may need stitches so don't glue those - find a doctor)
So, the reason for this post is to encourage everyone to check out their first aid kit and beef it up if necessary. If you don't carry one, get one!
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" try not to glue your fingers to the patient; "
:lol May want to include super glue remover to the kit!
Glad to hear it wasn't more serious! Owie!
- Mike
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The idea of carrying that glue in the first aid kit is a good one. My father was a cabinet maker, a strong quiet man who grew up on a farm. He worked in his cabinet shop alone most days. One day back in the 60's he cut the tip of his thumb off on a table saw. Without missing a beat, long before this was done in the medical field, he grabbed a tube of super glue and glued the tip of his thumb back on. He went back to work and never went to the doctor. His thumb healed and I still remember that his thumbnail always looked weird. While I don't recommend skipping the doctor visit, the glue is a good plan.
Rose