First Aid - Cuts/Abrasions

First Aid - Cuts/Abrasions

Cuts and abrasions are going to be part of any outdoor adventure or even "end of the world" event.  The key here is to take care of them quickly and prevent infections.  Today infection is typically not a big deal.  If you would happen to get and infection you simple go to the doctor and get an antibiotic.  Out in the wilderness on a weekend hike days from civilization or EMP event and no organized care left a simple infection could kill you.

1)  Clean out the wound with clean water.
2A)  Abrasion - clean and apply ointment, apply light bandage or let it breath

2B)  Small cut - control bleeding and apply small amount of ointment (triple antibiotic ointment), and adhesive bandage (band-aid)

2C)  Large cut/lacerations - control bleeding, apply non adhering dressing, wrap with gauze. (do NOT apply ointment)  Larger wounds, cut/lacerations need time to heal from the inside out.  The ointment may cause the wound to heal on the outside trapping infections leading to bad ju ju.

3)  Keep all wounds clean change bandages regularly.

4)  Keep and eye on the wound for signs of infections; redness, feeling hot, pain unusual for type of wound.

Photo credit: SteadyHealth.com

Things to keep in mind:
1)  Head wounds produce lots of blood quickly.
2)  Blood goes a long way.  Relative to the amount of blood a body holds 8oz of blood looks like 1/2 gallon when you see it spread over a loved one.