If you are an adventurous soul, and you enjoy hiking, snowboarding, backpacking, or vacationing in a remote area, you are always at risk of injury. Sometimes, if you fall and end up with a deep cut, band-aids won’t be able to stop the bleeding.
For such cases, there is a new and effective product on the market, known as ZipStich, which offers a quick solution in an easy way.
According to its official website:
“Introducing ZipStitch™, the only surgical-quality wound closure device available without a prescription. It is completely non-invasive and easy to use, wherever you may be. ZipStitch enables you to treat cuts with hospital-grade technology when you can’t get to an ER for stitches. Continue your outdoor activities with less interruption and avoid the potential pain, hassle and out-of-pocket costs associated with a trip for stitches.”
ZipStich is made with four zip-ties connected by two extremely adhesive bandages, which are stuck on either side of the injury. Then, you just pull the zip-ties shut. This genius invention is suitable for most wounds, even the ones that are not perfectly symmetrical. Yet, note that it can protect the wound for up to 7 days.
When it comes to its application, here are the instructions provided on the ZipStich website:
“For any wound care treatment, cleaning and drying the area is a critical first step. It helps prevent infection and helps to ensure that the adhesive for the device will hold. Important! Properly clean wound and control bleeding prior to applying!
- Very important: As with any adhesive bandage, the area must be dry for adhesive to stick properly.
- Remove clear liner.
- Center device on wound and press firmly on the skin.
- Remove the paper frame.
- Hold lock in place and pull strap to tension. Repeat for each strap. Do not over-tighten. If the device is overtightened, remove and replace with another device.
- Cut each strap as short as possible by lifting loop and cutting close to lock housing.”
Remember that it is created to be used in emergency situations only, and in the case of a serious injury, you should visit a doctor. It is also advisable to see a doctor even if you have used it, to avoid infections and accelerate healing.
Furthermore, besides the ZipStich, plenty of food, maps, flashlights, and extra batteries, the Red Cross recommends that you also add the following items to your first aid kit:
- 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
- 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
- 5 antiseptic wipe packets
- 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
- 1 blanket (space blanket)
- 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
- 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
- 2 triangular bandages
- 1 instant cold compress
- 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
