Skin staplers, anyone use one?

[MudCamper]

Obviously get to a doctor or a hospital if that's possible. I assume the purpose of this discussion is for this situation:

[xgi1991]

Obviously get to a doctor or a hospital if that's possible. I assume the purpose of this discussion is for this situation:

Exactly, but, in a SHTF, you would be better off, leaving the wound open, dressing/cleaning it 4 times a day and taking antibiotics. Unless it is a nice clean cut, leave the staples and sutures alone, the last thing you want to do is add more holes to increase the risk of infection. Same goes for IV's, if the patient can drink and eat, don't poke a hole in them.

[HK4113]

Used one to place 5 staples on a scalp lac. Removed them a week later.

[HK4113]

Can an average joe even do that (stitch veins/arteries)? That seems like it would require lots of training, practice, and a few letters after your last name.

No, you need to go to med school to stitch arteries. Its called being a vascular surgeon.

[TurboChrisB]

Unless you're a vascular surgeon you won't be sewing on any arteries....

[Gigan]

I work in the O.R. we use them all the time. To remove them all you need it hemostats or even needle nose pliers. the hurt like hell but you gotta do what you gotta do. No staple on arteries please Best use is quick closings in trauma case ugly scar but at least your alive for small wounds dermabond or crazy glue. works well but if its a deep wound derma bond tends to separate after a few hours. some suturing would be required on the cutaneous level prior to gluing skin.

[OHOD]

Exactly, but, in a SHTF, you would be better off, leaving the wound open, dressing/cleaning it 4 times a day and taking antibiotics. Unless it is a nice clean cut, leave the staples and sutures alone, the last thing you want to do is add more holes to increase the risk of infection. Same goes for IV's, if the patient can drink and eat, don't poke a hole in them.

Well said.

I've removed a ton of staples after wound healing and you have to use a special tool. Pliars and hemostats won't cut it.

http://www.amazon.com/M-W-Disposable-Staple-Remover/dp/B0002ZIIPW

This is the type of staple remover I use. In fact, I got a whole box of them in my truck.
The tip has 3 prongs. One goes in the middle of the staple, the other two on the sides. The idea is to open the staple like wings. It's easy for staple that are accessible. For staples that are covered with skin or scab. Ouch, they hurt like h-e-##.

I always get a kick out of "stitching arteries" comments.

[Calplinker]

Staples

I work in the O.R. we use them all the time. To remove them all you need it hemostats or even needle nose pliers. the hurt like hell but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Just had about 20 of them removed from my abdomen on Tuesday. I can attest first hand that YES, they hurt like all hell coming out, particularly on sensitive areas of your skin.

[GunzNHoses89]

I've had about 20 staples in my head over my lifetime. These things are great. And yes, maybe I should keep my "special" helmet on

[jyo]

OK, wait until the young trendy crowd finds out about these things---after tatoos, brandings, implants and amputations, they can go for the "Frankenstein" look! I'll start my marketing plan tomorrow...

[Remaxman]

In the back country a friend took a stupidly tossed bayonet through the top of the foot and out the bottom. Tried strips and crazy glue but would not keep it closed. The stapler worked well in conjunction with a bit of Quick Clot. It was quick and easy and staples were removed with needle nose pliers a few days later.
A definite addition to any first aid kit as you never know what you may need at the time.

[bsg]

we can also buy/make butterfly bandages for certain applications; part of the butterfly's effectiveness is dependent upon skill of user.

[GunGreg2107]

Wait I know how to stich arteries I read patriots after all.