So, it turns out that duct tape really CAN fix everything! Duct Tape 911 is a must have book for your first aid/medical preparedness library. It is also a smart addition to your bug out bag, and certainly as part of your first aid kit for any camping or hiking trip. Along with more duct tape, naturally.
Duct Tape 911 by James Hubbard, MD, MPH, known as The Survival Doctor, is a well-written, well-organized, and well-illustrated book detailing the many practical uses for duct tape for emergency first aid applications.The topics covered range from sprained ankles to snake bites, and making emergency eyeglasses- including lenses– to preventing a lung from collapsing.
If you have ever wondered how to tape a joint, this is a great guide. Duct Tape 911 will show you how to tape an ankle, finger, toe, as well as how to make splints, slings, and knee braces. There are also clear instructions on how to use and tear duct tape to use in place of Steri-Strips, how to make your own adhesive bandages and blister protectors, along with sound advice on wound care.
One of the great things about duct tape is that it’s waterproof. Dr. Hubbard details how to make a container for water, how to create water pressure to clean out wounds, how to make an eye cup (perfect for a rinse with an Herbal Eye Wash), and waterproofing your clothing- very important to prevent cold-weather injuries and illness from contaminated flood water.
The book wraps up with some of the more life-saving interventions that may be necessary in a disaster or health emergency: tourniquets, occulusive dressings (an airtight and watertight bandage often used with “sucking” wounds), and an oral barrier for CPR. Dr. Hubbard explains in terms non-medical people will readily understand, how and when to apply each.
The book itself is a perfect size to add to your BOB (Bug Out Bag), GOOD (Get Out Of Dodge) bag, or in a camping or hiking backpack. When you’re injured, it’s easy to forget what to do and how to do it, and having a guide on hand would be to your advantage.
Something else to consider is that even if you are the designated “medical” go-to person for your group and are familiar with how to wrap a sprained ankle or even how to apply an occlusive dressing or tourniquet, you may be the one injured and be dependent upon someone else to tape you up. This would be a great guide to keep with your trauma kit for that scenario.
I would also take that one step further, and begin to train at least one other person in your group. Practice the projects in the book now when you are not under pressure, so that in a disaster they are automatic. I’d also pick up some of the colored duct tape for kids.
Disasters happen everywhere, in every climate, and at every time of the year. Earthquakes, tornados, hurricaines, ice storms, and floods happen. So, keep an extra roll (or two) in your car, EDC (Every Day Carry) bag, and your BOB, along with a copy of this book. It’s a simple step you can do to increase your emergency medical preparedness
While your at it, check out Dr. Hubbard’s website, www.TheSurvivalDoctor.com. It’s loaded with great articles to help you prepare for a medical emergency when help is not on the way.
Look for Duct Tape 911 in bookstores near you, and check out this and other titles from James Hubbard, MD on amazon shown below. These are affiliate links, but I have a copy each of these, and they are all worth your time to read them.
