A cut is one of the most common injuries that happen when you least expect it. Whether you’re working in the yard or cooking dinner, a sharp edge can quickly cause a deep cut. While minor cuts can usually be treated at home, more serious cuts may require professional medical attention.
If you find yourself with a cut that is bleeding heavily, it’s important to take quick action to stop the bleeding. If you are out in the bush, live in a rural area, or are bugging out and do not have access to any medical supplies, what you may have lying around is some handy dandy duct tape.
Most people would expect to use duct tape around the house for odd jobs, as it can be used for pretty much anything, though most people would not expect to use duct tape for a cut. While it may seem unconventional, duct tape is actually very effective at stopping a cut from bleeding.
Here are the whys and hows of using duct tape for your wound.
pic reference https://conkote.com/how-to-choose-the-best-medical-tape-for-wound-care/
How to treat a cut with duct tape?
When all else fails, almost any method to keep the edges of a wound together will suffice. Your body will take care of the rest. The main thing here is to keep the wound closed. If left open it has a higher chance for bacteria to get inside and will slow the healing process. So close that wound up!
How do you know if your cut needs to be tended?
If the cut is bleeding and is open to the air that’s a pretty good sign that you should do something.
Taping a cut together is difficult if the skin surrounding the injury is moist. Other than that, taping a cut is straightforward. Here’s how.
Treating a wound – Step-by-Step Approach
1. Clean the wound
The first step is to clean the wound and surrounding area with soap and water. No surprises here. Apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth. You want to get the blood to stop or slow, before putting anything else on because if the skin is wet nothing will stick.
2. Get some duct tape
Cut a two-inch-long piece of duct tape from the roll. Tear the strip lengthwise into strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide as you can see from the above pic.
4. Apply
Apply at the beginning of the cut and work your way along one side. Attach a piece of tape along one side of the cut to the other. The next strip should be near with a tiny gap between each layer. Don’t make it too tight as it will then be uncomfortable.
5. Close
Close the gap by placing the strip of duct tape across the cut to the other side and repeat the steps until the cut is completely closed.
6. Use cream
Antibiotic ointment should be applied over top of the area and in between the duct tape strips to prevent bacteria from spreading.
Tips to Keep the Area Clean
Cover with a dressing.
You will want to cover the area to prevent bacteria from entering. You will need to keep the area clean and dry for the adhesive to work as well.
Change the dressing.
As the wound heals, you will need to change the dressings. The frequency will depend on how well the wound is healing.
Watch for infection.
Apply ointment and a dressing every day. If the dressings become soiled or wet, apply it sooner rather than later.
If you notice redness, swelling, or pus, see a doctor right away as this could be signs of an infection.
Use Antibiotics if necessary
If the area surrounding the wound becomes red and hot, or if the cut begins to ooze, begin a round of antibiotics.
Takeaway
While using duct tape may not always be necessary what is – is the mindset. If you find yourself in a survival situation you will be forced to be creative and make use of what’s around you. And in many instances that will likely be the single most important skill to have.
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Photo by Ksenia Chernaya/Pexels