Ask Dr Apocalypse

[Toddie]

Anybody else have any burning questions?

Yes it burns when i p...

On a serious note, what's you're take on suturing. I've recently been thinking about practicing suturing purely because it's something i'm able to easily give a try at home. I've seen certain kits, but even on a more basic note some clearance pork trotters/joints and a few sutures with the help of youtube would be good enough to practice.

My question then, is: Is it worth learning to suture? Or should i just forget it all together ? Are there better methods?

I look forward to your reply.

[DrApocalypse]

Hi Toddie,

Good question. The majority of wounds can be closed with normal superglue, steristrips or failing that, medical tape is fine to bring edges together.

However, some wounds really need stitches (scalps for example are REALLY hard to tape and gluing often doesnt work because they bleed so much and you cant put a tourniquet on someone's scalp!). If you are committed and keen, it is reasonable to learn how to do basic interrupted sutures properly, but I would also learn about when you need to do these and preferentially use alternative methods just because they are quicker in general.

It's a good skill to have in the post apocalyptic world and I would generally say anyone who is serious about it can pick up these skills in a few hours and practice them on a bit of pork!

[Toddie]

Brilliant, thanks for the reply.

One thing i did miss out in my question was in regards to skin staplers. Thoughts? Would they be better as minimal practice is needed with them.

Again, i very much look forward to your reply.

[DrApocalypse]

Hi,

I would stick with basic interrupted suturing. Widely available materials for suturing, and whilst the staples are easy to put in but you need a device to remove and it's a faff if you don't have it. Also with suturing in an emergency you can use a needle and fishing line or similar but with staples you are limited to the kit that you have.

[Lanky Yankee]

I had a discussion with the owner of the prepper shop about the skin stapler. They don't sell the staple remover with it. If you don't use the proper remover it will rip the skin. The staples need to be bent a certain way to get them out.

[digi]

the amount of detailed information in this thread is amazing, if there was a 'thanks' or 'like' button available, I'd click the hell out of it

I dont know if you know the correct answer to this , but, i work for a nationwide company, but, i work alone, a lot of the time in remote locations, where theres little to no help around, and a mobile phone generally wont work, even for emergency calls as theres simply no available networks. Over the years ive had simple accidents, which has seen me grabbing the first aid kit off the van, and using basics to stop bleeding cuts, gashes, etc (putting a steel bracket through my thumb nail was an interesting one to try and patch up using only my left hand and my teeth lol).

The first aid kit i carry is not company issued, its one ive put together myself, and is part of a small general emergency kit (fire stuff, emergency blankets, glow sticks, etc) and i have had ZERO official training (but have watched a lot of online videos etc).

Due to how i work, should i have some form of official first aid training, and if so, would that be a company expense and a 'training day' set aside for it? I have looked at the red cross training, but the days theyre near me i cannot make, and its been like that for a while, so if its something that officially i should have, and i can get something official linked online to show to the company, then they may sort it out just to get their 'tick in a box' and cover themselfs

thanks in advance for any reply

[DrApocalypse]

Hi Digi,

The answer to this question is that I am sorry I do not know! I think in the ideal world it would be good for you to have some company provided first aid training given your job but I do not know what companies are obliged to offer in these circumstances. There may be guidance on the Department of Health website, I think there is a section that is essentially guidance for employers:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisat ... -of-health

Basically it comes down to what they are required by law to offer as to be honest most companies are running as lean as they possibly can in these straightened times, especially those that are publicly funded.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

[featherstick]

This guy's not a REAL doctor - he has way too much time to sit on this forum answering questions!

Seriously though, very useful thread.

[DrApocalypse]

I'm on holiday!

[Deeps]

I'm on holiday!

Ha, that explains it, I was thinking "poor guy", he goes to work and gets asked questions about various ailments only to come home, flash up the laptop to discuss prepping and gets asked more questions about various ailments.

Its much appreciated though, and enjoy your hols.