View Full Version : One handed first aid
I was just getting used to the opening and closing of a new SAK today when I managed to remove a neat slice from the side of one of my fingers :cussing:
Whilst this is a rather silly thing to do I doubt it'll be the first or last time that I or someone else does it.
The only trouble is that bandaging up a finger is rather hard work when you don't have full use of it. Having only recently bought and upgraded a first aid kit I knew where everything was at least but there is one big thing that I now know would make the difference between bandaging being routine or a real trial - a pair of good scissors!
Any further ideas to make this sort of situation an easier one to deal with as it is probably one of the most common ways of hurting yourself when using a knife?
I was just getting used to the opening and closing of a new SAK today when I managed to remove a neat slice from the side of one of my fingers :cussing:
Whilst this is a rather silly thing to do I doubt it'll be the first or last time that I or someone else does it.
The only trouble is that bandaging up a finger is rather hard work when you don't have full use of it. Having only recently bought and upgraded a first aid kit I knew where everything was at least but there is one big thing that I now know would make the difference between bandaging being routine or a real trial - a pair of good scissors!
Any further ideas to make this sort of situation an easier one to deal with as it is probably one of the most common ways of hurting yourself when using a knife?
My solution would be to keep some “finger bobs” (http://www.bostockhealthcare.co.uk/cat--Tubular-Finger-Bandages--tubular-finger ) in the zip pocket of my first aid kit, finger bobs are pre rolled finger bandage is just like tubegauze but without the need to have an applicator. You can buy them in packs of six (they don’t cost much) or you can by tubigauze and pre load a plastic applicator and keep that handy (it’s a bit bulky) but that works too. Either way you can prepare dressings to go underneath either one. I've found that I am able to do this all one-handed (don’t ask me how I know :rolleyes: )
RAPPLEBY2000
02-08-2006, 23:43
sounds a bit nasty! :eek:
on my diploma course i asked the instructors what was in thier personal 1st aid kits, it turned out some went lightweight one experienced instructor said:
bandages, antiseptic wipes and medical tape(that's it!) the reason being anything more serious you'd probably need professional assistance anyway!
i was also told to take "tank tape"(duck tape) as it can be torn sideways into lengths easily, no scissors needed!
A problem indeed but hopefully not too common.
If you have time you can usually apply you FAK contents onto wounds one -handed unless you have lost your composure by the sight of all your own blood :)
If you don't have time e.g. chopped off your hand, then a short length of 3mm braided line can be tied (quite easily with practice) as a clove hitch above the wound as a temporary tourniquet while you fumble with getting a bandage or military field dressing out and in place using wraps and tucks. You will not have the composure to tie a reef knot one handed, Slip a clove hitch over the dressing pad and tighten with remaining hand and teeth to keep up the pressure.
If you can tie a bowline, clove hitch and simple half hitches one-handed you can improvise quite well as long as you have string and cloth
gregorach
03-08-2006, 09:42
I have an already opened pack of gauze in my FAK, placed so that it's the first thing that comes to hand. That gives me something to stop (or at least control) the bleeding while I get the necessary supplies out.
I also carry a tape climbers know as "finger tape" - it's a fabric tape designed to provide support to damaged tendons, but I find it's great for taping up cut fingers - it tears neatly and sticks well, but it's thin enough not to be too awkward.
dommyracer
03-08-2006, 12:07
Super glue can be used one handed.
Incidentally, has anyone tried that spray on plaster that's being advertised on the TV...
RAPPLEBY2000
03-08-2006, 15:08
I use germoline new skin which is simular,
it can only effectively be used if the wound is dry and you are dry!
if you sweat too much it will turn white loosen and come off!
(it'll only take minutes)
probably a better thing to use during spring and autumn.
otherwise whenit does work it works well you can wash with it on and after a while you don't notice it! unlike plasters that get all gunky.
be warned the stuff i use stings like ****! :eek: untill it gets absorbed or whatever it does, then no pain at all!
it's best used on stuff like small cuts grases that would otherwise allow dirt in!
also it's good on cuts etc on joints and all hand/finger joints, it does stretch! :D
large cuts and open wounds like the ones suggested :eek: head straight for a bandage and tape! the new skin is for much later, it would either not be effective or would sting far far too much!
same as most things there's a good and bad side!
Yeah, there was too much blood for newskin!
I ended up putting a absorbent dressing on the cut with a bit of bandage over it and then used surgical tape to hold it all together.
Now I've just got to wait until it is all holding itself in on peice before I change the bandage as the cut was quite ragged, more like taking a slice of bark off something than cutting in.
The tape is good as you can tear it easily but it won't strech or loosen easily. I'm now looking for a good pair of small scissors for bandage etc. as they are much easier to use 1 handed than other cutting tools. Is there anything absorbent which packs small and is safe to use on open cuts (i.e. not cotton wool)?
gregorach
03-08-2006, 17:06
Sterile gauze is probably your best bet. Although I've heard tampons recommended... ;)
sanitary napkins are great and very absorbent.. Tampons are better for packing wounds
dave750gixer
10-08-2006, 14:24
I find that packs of sterile gauze are easy to open with one hand and teeth or even just pin it down with another part of the body, say kneel on it and then tear open with one hand. Likewise melonin non-adherent dressings
I just don't learn do I. I've put a nice long cut in the heel of my hand whilst using an axe (not sure quite how - something slipped)
The expanded first aid kit and scissors made it all nice and easy to deal with :)
I've still got the scar from August but this one was a nice clean straight cut so it should heal up pretty quickly.
w00dsmoke
18-03-2007, 10:26
sanitary napkins are great and very absorbent.. Tampons are better for packing wounds
Er guys just think if our wives or so's read any of this or the local chemist tells her...you are in for alot of explaining ;) Let's hope she believes us! pmsl
Er yeagh the nail varnish is for my knife etching...
The sanitary towels are to pack my wounds...
wingstoo
18-03-2007, 13:08
And the stockings and suspender clips are for improvised water strainer...
Honest!
LS
hammock monkey
19-03-2007, 15:13
dried yarrow :)
not had too use it myself, but its supposed to be great. dries in the wound to form a scab.
come to think of it i must be due some claret, (maybe i had my fair share as a fabricator years ago though)
Quik fix Bandana and pressure and elevate the limb.Then when the blood stops flowing use your FAK supplies to clean up and sterilize.
The military now issues tourniquets that can be operated with one hand - I guess just in case your other one is missing!
I'm guessing you will be in serious trouble if you have to use a tourniquet and you can do more harm than good with them.
But, perhaps the principle is good: should we practice bandaging one hand with the other? It's all very well if it's someone elses hand but not if it's your own.
How do we stop serious bleeding through direct/indirect pressure but also open a first aid kit, unpack a dressing, etc, with only one hand? Perhaps a small improvised tourniquet might not be such a bad idea after all...
Sorry - that's all a bit 'stream of consciousness'.
Any thoughts?
Elevation is meant to slow blood flow to some degree. You can also apply some pressure by pushing your leg or chest against a wound although it isn't as effective.
Longstrider
20-03-2007, 19:25
Get your thinking caps on guys. I reckon there's a forune to be made by the person who can invent a practical wrapper for a simple sticking plaster that opens easily and efficiently with one hand (and no use of the teeth etc).
This has been on my mind on-and-off for years, but I still can't figure out a sensible way to design it.
I reckon that design brief needs to be something like... "A sterile wrapper that can be efficiently opened with the use of ONE hand ONLY, by someone under duress and in shock."
Practice opening them after a few "sherbets" with both the left and the right hand. If you can do that I reckon they're well designed ;)
Incidentally, has anyone tried that spray on plaster that's being advertised on the TV...
tried several versions.... not so good on active bleeding.... good for ragged 'keep catching the flipping thing' wounds..... stings like an absolute swine (I'm not kidding!)
wingstoo
20-03-2007, 21:13
Super glue is good for sticking wounds together...Probably difficult when "wet"!
LS
Super glue is good for sticking wounds together...Probably difficult when "wet"!
LS
Thats good advice I had a cut next to my eye super glued after being kicked whilst playing rugby and it was good as new within a few days!:D
Dances with Wolves
29-03-2007, 14:36
I have a good pair of surgical clamps, which work wonders for one handed repairs for holding things in place, bandages etc.
When I broke one of my knuckles in my right hand, it required a fair bit of contortion to pad and bandage it properly. It's all about using other parts of your body or something near you, a tree or a wall, etc. and of course if you have tokeep re-dressing etc. again practice makes perfect, if you think of as many possible "sticky" situations as you can think of requiring one hand, and just practice various dressings.
But i suggest a good clamp, and a good pair of clothes cutting scissors, they're both reasonably cheap, try SP Services, they're very cheap.
I hope this helps.
Wolves. :)
I'm guessing you will be in serious trouble if you have to use a tourniquet and you can do more harm than good with them.
Perhaps a small improvised tourniquet might not be such a bad idea after all...
Sorry - that's all a bit 'stream of consciousness'.
Any thoughts?
If you had 2 hands or if someone was assisting they might apply pressure on a pressure point to stop/slow the bleeding. There is nothing wrong with stopping blood flow for a short time.
The improv tourniquet is only temporary so you can put your dressing on without literally making a bloody mess of it. Then you could remove it and use your hand to apply pressure.
If it was a large artery :aargh4: :) you would be happy to have it on I am sure
Dances with Wolves
31-03-2007, 11:06
if you must use a tourniquet, then it must be a last resort, Crush injurie opccurs after approximately 10 minutes, after that you require a whole different level of treatment.
I'd say if you have to use it, then no longer than 7 or 8 minutes at the longest before you release it, clean and dress the wound, then use the pressure point from then on. The tourniquet, is very much a short term measure.
Wolves. :)
if you must use a tourniquet, then it must be a last resort, Crush injurie opccurs after approximately 10 minutes, after that you require a whole different level of treatment.
I'd say if you have to use it, then no longer than 7 or 8 minutes at the longest before you release it, clean and dress the wound, then use the pressure point from then on. The tourniquet, is very much a short term measure.
Wolves. :)
Correct - we normally say 10 minutes and then release. I am in the military and so we are often trained with battlefield first aid 'short-cuts' - use of a tourniquet may be vital when trying to extract a causalty from a hazardous situation.
As you say, with a crush injury (I think St John's defines it as 15 mins or more?), if you then release the weight, all of the toxins that have built up in the crushed limb (or beyond the tourniquet) will rush into the blood stream and it is possible that the patient will die of toxic shock. It's beyond my abilities but I believe a shedload of intravenous antibiotics are required.
Dances with Wolves
31-03-2007, 17:25
Indeed, it's a very handy thing to know should anyone end up under something heavy. I've been in St. John for a few years and during my nursing diploma I worked with a phlebotomist (vampire ;)) for a day and she uses tourniquets for raising the veins and taking blood samples. obviously this only remains in place for a maximum of about 2 minutes. I read a little about litary first aid, and borrowed a friends book which talked about field hospitals dating back to the civil war right up to modern day and treatment methods, well worth a read.
Wolves. :)
Thats good advice I had a cut next to my eye super glued after being kicked whilst playing rugby and it was good as new within a few days!:D
The Superglue is available at good Pharmacies under the brand name "Dermabond".
Definetly not a good idea to use bog-standard superglue on an open wound. The Dermabond is best used with paper stitches after the bleeding has been brought under control. Its an excellent way to prevent further ingress of crud into the wound and will speed up the healing process.
Frank
wingstoo
04-04-2007, 20:43
The Superglue is available at good Pharmacies under the brand name "Dermabond".
Definetly not a good idea to use bog-standard superglue on an open wound. The Dermabond is best used with paper stitches after the bleeding has been brought under control. Its an excellent way to prevent further ingress of crud into the wound and will speed up the healing process.
Frank
Thanks, I have just the "Super Glue" branded stuff, not the cheapie stuff. Will look up the Dermabond next time I am in the chemist.
LS
Here's an article on how to get the best results with the 'Dermabond' stuff..
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000301/1383.html
Here goes my first ever reply.
I have been in the ambulance service getting on for 19 years and have recently undertaken a course in minor injuries, Wound closure is a subject not to be taken lightly. The potential for things to go wrong and stay wrong is huge, i.e. if the wound is not thouroughly cleaned there is a risk of `locking` in infection, if the wound was caused by broken glass there could be glass contaminating the wound, if the wound was caused by a knife how deep is it? is there any damage to underlying structures ( tendons)? Which would have to be repaired before closure. etc, etc. The idea that you can buy wound closure glue over the counter scares me.
If you sustain a wound which you have any doubt about put a wet dressing on it (sterile water or tap water) this will stop the wound edges from closing so they don`t have to be surgically reopened and get yourself along to the nearest A/E or minor injuries unit. I am sure if there are any other `medics` out there they will back me up on this one.
Sorry that my first posting is a rant but this is something I have strong feelings about. I guess I`ll have to say hello on the newcomers page.
Yours Mike68.
wingstoo
05-04-2007, 18:05
Good thinking Mike, But if you are leaking the red stuff in some distant place then it might be a case of sticking it together to get to A&E in the first place, After all we are talking "First Aid" here, not second aid, third aid et al.
I have several items for personal use which might be frowned upon, but life or death...only one choice really.
LS
Dances with Wolves
05-04-2007, 18:51
Yes rules and regs are great in ordinary circumstances, but in an extraordinary circumstance, they go out the window and its whatever it takes.
Wolves. :)
Well I guess that shuts me up then!
I was trying only to pass on Knowlege.
I wonder how many of the 6301members and other countless browsers will be spilling claret in the back of beyond, miles from proffesional help,( raplleby 2000 on 02/08/06 asks his instructors about their first aid kits.................. "anything more serious you`d probably need professional assistance anyway".)
Whilst I don`t deny that in certain circumstances there is a place for dermabond in the field. I was trying to point out that there are many things that healthcare proffesionals consider before closing a wound.
Yours
Mike 68
It is nice to see a balance of information here. Conventional medical input is great - it is essential to know some of those factors and that striving to stop yourself leaking too much needs to be balanced with other issues.
However, I like many members here is no first aid expert. We all make mistakes with sharps sooner or later and need some strategy or technique to use. Ironically most of the damage I cause to myself is at home but I still want to deal with things where I can. In the outdoors you want to be able to deal with minor injuries so you can carry on and major ones so you don't die.
I take Mike's advice as being, as he said, on minor injuries. Major life or death injuries are certainly a different kettle of fish :)
Edit: I've just found a link to a manual on wound closure via outdoors mahgazine forums Wound Closure (http://www.101rl.com/survivalfiles/files/SurvivalFirstAid/woundclosuremanual.pdf)
Well I guess that shuts me up then!
I was trying only to pass on Knowlege.
I wonder how many of the 6301members and other countless browsers will be spilling claret in the back of beyond, miles from proffesional help,( raplleby 2000 on 02/08/06 asks his instructors about their first aid kits.................. "anything more serious you`d probably need professional assistance anyway".)
Whilst I don`t deny that in certain circumstances there is a place for dermabond in the field. I was trying to point out that there are many things that healthcare proffesionals consider before closing a wound.
Yours
Mike 68
Whilst I agree that, the idea of “Joe public” gluing a wound shut, and leaving it to the vagaries of a weekend camping in the mud, the blood and the beer, well that would scares me too. But I have to say that most of the people on this site know enough, or are bright enough to ask before doing something daft.
As a St-Johns trained cadet/first aider since I was eight I’ve dealt with hundreds of minor cuts, breaks, strains, and maybe half a dozen serious accidents some fatalities, some of which haunt me to this day.
Most people on this site have the enough smarts to know, that they don’t know everything and so are more than willing to learn from the experts/professionals where ever possible, professional advice is always welcome. It’s just that most people on this site know a bit more than the average Muppet, and are more than able to use/share their own skills and knowledge, quite a few have a “judgement” honed over years and for the most part are able to distinguish between acceptable risks and unacceptable risks,
As Douglas Bader said “Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the blind obedience of fools”
Me, I’ve plugged a sucking chest wound with a plastic credit card and some cling film that I found on the floor, I’ve also done mouth to mouth on a drunk driver without having a mouth protector, both “forbotten” by the rules of first aid, but two people lived, at least long enough to get “proper treatment”.
I’d steri-strip a wound in a field if I had to, clearly with the caveat of getting it seen too as a priority after the trip is over.
I’m sure no one here would glue a wound closed without checking to see if it was clean and making sure that it clear of foreign objects, especially as Dermabond costs an absolute shed load of cash for a box of six.