Substitute for stitches (sutures’

[mv213]

I saw these mentioned on another website. It seems like these could be a great thing to have when you’re out in the boonies and need stitches due to an injury. I think I will add some to my kit, along with a few Israeli bandages and a tourniquet. No affiliation.

ZipStitch | Hospital Grade Wound Care For Your Outdoor, Home or Car First Aid Kit

 

[SubeeBen]

Those are frickin awesome thanks for sharing. Have butterflies & super glue in most of my kits but these look sweet.

 

[El Solis]

They work ok. I’ve used them lots of times and chose to do proper sutures over these. In the field they are an option but pricey and can be tough to apply to certain areas. Also, before you close any wound you need to ensure that it is properly cleaned out. Not just with drinkable water. That is fine for packing and covering but for closing you need a good irrigation of the wound which is tough to accomplish in the field.

It you wanted something more versatile and cheaper you can get 1/2 inch steri-strips and mastisol (makes the skin tacky to help the steri strips stick better) and close the wound without stitches. This also allows you to open parts of the wound if they start to become infected.

 

[472HemiGTX]

I agree with El Solis, getting the wound clean is important and the least traumatic method to close it is best. I have had to use a suture kit on a friend in the field before, that is tough to do. Alcohol wipes, super glue and butterfly bandages are my go to. Worst case scenario, my trauma kit has a sterile syringe for wound irrigation and stapler loaded with 25 staples.

 

[Boostpowered]

Duct tape, gauze and tripple antibiotic. Hasn't failed me yet.

 

[velo47]

It you wanted something more versatile and cheaper you can get 1/2 inch steri-strips and mastisol (makes the skin tacky to help the steri strips stick better) and close the wound without stitches. This also allows you to open parts of the wound if they start to become infected.

We always used tincture of benzoin as an adhesive. Is Mastisol better because of less risk of allergic reaction?

 

[El Solis]

Benzoin is fine but yes, less allergic risk. Mastisol is just my preference.

 

[oneleglance]

As an ICU RN who sees quite a few "self fixes" I completely agree that I would NOT close a wound with anything other than steri-strips in the field.
Lots of irrigation, lots of dressing changes and watch watch watch for infection.
I have seen so many wounds that had to be reopened, irrigated and debrided (tissue cut out due to infection, dirt).

 

[mv213]

Thanks for the great suggestions, everybody!

 

[USStrongman]

@oneleglance. Completely agree. 10 years clinical and FDA research in the 2nd busiest burn center in the country, there is no better temp fix than steristrips after the obvious antimicrobial cleansing, etc. Those above are terrific for a controlled environment, but not the wilderness. It becomes on occlusive dressing which is no bueno in the boonies for more than a day.

 

[splatterdab]

They work ok. I’ve used them lots of times and chose to do proper sutures over these. In the field they are an option but pricey and can be tough to apply to certain areas. Also, before you close any wound you need to ensure that it is properly cleaned out. Not just with drinkable water. That is fine for packing and covering but for closing you need a good irrigation of the wound which is tough to accomplish in the field.

It you wanted something more versatile and cheaper you can get 1/2 inch steri-strips and mastisol (makes the skin tacky to help the steri strips stick better) and close the wound without stitches. This also allows you to open parts of the wound if they start to become infected.

I recently completed a SAR wilderness first Aid course. The recommendation was to do your absolute best in controlling the bleed and avoid suturing because of the risk of infection. What are your thoughts in this regard for those not trained in those specific medical procedures?

 

[slomatt]

+1 to steri-strips. Due to a stupid and completely avoidable mistake I had the opportunity to use them on myself in November.

 

[El Solis]

I agree with no suturing unless you know what you are doing. Sometimes it’s a simple closure but often it’s not. Cleaning the wound is the most important thing to do, then cover with a clean dressing.

 

[oneleglance]

DO NOT SEW UP A WOUND IN THE FIELD....
I work at a major metro hospital and we get some nasty traumas.....always wash a wound and wait days to make sure no infection then suture.