Atypical Emergency First Aid Tips

Alternatives To Bandages

Carrying bandages in your bag and keeping them in your home seems like a simple enough idea. However, cuts and scrapes can happen even when you're between boxes. Thankfully, it's easy enough to create alternatives to bandages and plasters. Folding a tissue and using tape to secure it over the wound is a simple way to cover the injury until you can find something more sanitary and suitable. Dabbing an antibacterial gel on the tissue will keep it from sticking and drying to the wound as well. You can effectively use this technique with any type of cloth, but it's crucial to make sure that it is clean to prevent infecting the open wound. Even a clean sock can help in a bind.

Alternative Ways To Stop Bleeding

Applying pressure to a bleeding wound is very important for managing blood loss. Stopping the bleeding is one of the best ways to apply First Aid until professional medical responders arrive, as losing too much blood can only complicate and worsen the situation, especially with major injuries. There are a variety of alternative ways to stop bleeding when you don't have access to a proper bandage. Use a clean cloth if you do not have gauze or a bandage, and always try to rinse the wound out first, if you are unable to clean it properly.

The yarrow plant is also known to be capable of stopping the bleeding. When the flowers or leaves are ground into a powder, you can sprinkle it on top of a wound before applying pressure and ensure to elevate the injured body part. Vitamin C powder is also effective when used in the same way. Witch hazel is another great liquid that can be poured on top of a bleeding wound, and even zinc lozenges can dramatically decrease blood loss as well.