Emergency First Aid Posted by: Creekside on Mar-18-09 3:22 PM (EST)
Great article. One item we always carry, and have dispensed on many times, is an ace bandage. These are not only useful for twists and sprains, they are excellent for applying pressure to cuts on arms and legs that will most likely require stiches. Apply a sterile gauze and wrap with the ace bandage. Don't wrap it so tight that you cut off the circulation to the limb!! Of course this should all be secured with duct tape. It will stick well to itself and won't come undone if it gets wet. Use sparingly where directly applied to the skin!! I have patched up many paddlers who thanked me profusely. I often wondered what they had to say when they got to the emergency room when the attendant pulled off the duct tape! Happy paddling, Kirk