This cauterizing a wound with gunpowder (or any other hot object) would probably leave
a horrific scar. What say you?
Big J
>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/13/04 06:42PM >>>
Evening Don O,
The "Something" was probably a small amount of black powder. A common
treatment from the colonial times. Painful but effective. The Saltpeter and
Sulfur in the black powder tended to clean the wound, close up any blood
vessels and arteries and stop major bleeding. For a deep wound it was
effective and still taught today in combat field dressing as an alternative,
however just using a hot poker, knife or whatever metal to close and sear
the wound.
However, for your #16 dry fly wound I would recommend either a 1944
Bayonet, lacking that a good "Texas Bowie" knife heated to red hot and
plunged into the spot to alleviate the bleeding and close the cut...;-),
just funnun). In a emergency situation where blood loss is a problem it is
an option, however I put it up there with "Stitching" myself up "without" a
gallon of Jalapeno Wine.
Glad to hear you are getting around, just take it slow and leave the 2
mile run part to when you are chased by a big black bear, (or Jimmy D for
catching old Sam).
Have a good one my friend and please be careful on those meds with sharp
things around..
Jimi
----- Original Message -----
From: DonO <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 2:50 PM
Subject: [VFB] Cauterizing Wounds?
Question for vfb 'medics'...
Whilst I'm sitting here recovering and tying an amazing amount of mayflies
while zoned out on pain killers, I'm also watching TV off and on. Some guy
got a wound in his arm and then he cauterized it, using something I think he
set on fire in the wound.
Question is- is this helpful? I've heard of the practice for a long time,
and I've also heard 'dont's' along the way.
I guess one day it could be fishing related, if I bury a hook in myself
somewhere out in the wilderness, without a first-aid kit. Would/should I
cauterize the wound after I use my Swiss Champ to carve the hook out? Is
there a right way and a wrong way? Why is the burn not a worse wound that
what's there? I've done some google research, but I can't find what I'm
looking for.
Inquiring minds...
Surgery Update- took my first walk around the perimeter of my house today.
Now I just have to work that up to 2 miles a day. :o) I guess it's way
better than 20 years ago, but still it's a hurting thang.
DonO
