[I was looking to make this one of the “Made In The USA” posts, but it turned out the two items I reference here are not. They are nevertheless worthy of consideration as additions to your comprehensive home/tactical medical kits. My prior MSW post pictures of tactically-oriented medical items I stock at home and carry are here and here].
I recently added two kit items as a result of my never-ending quest to be fully prepared to play first responder on myself and to provide others (who might attend to me or need items for their own use) medical kit items I have determined are easy to use and effective. They are: MEDIHONEY® (gel, paste, and dressings; New Zealand by way of Canada) by Derma Sciences, Inc., and the four-inch version of the OLAES Modular Bandage (China by way of South Carolina) by Tactical Medical Solutions:
The medical-grade honey products are a bit pricey, but I found Amazon to have these reasonably priced. They are especially good for the bad and ugly oozing, difficult-to-heal wounds like ulcers, pressure sores, and burns (including sunburn). I recently recommended the gel to a friend who suffered a rifle muzzle burn on his hand. I have used the products on my own burns, and on my dog’s severe leg ulcers with very good results. I am convinced the medical grade honey has germ-fighting ability and promotes rapid healing, as touted, with no toxicity. I apply liberally and use a cover bandage.
Thankfully, I have not had occasion to use the OLAES®. It is light and easily packed/carried. Deployment is relatively simple, the particulars are dependent on the nature of the wound. It includes elasticized wrap (with pad, “Control Strips” to prevent inadvertent unraveling, and “pressure bar” which also doubles as a cup for ocular injury), with built-in attachment clips. Also included are “Z” folded gauze and occlusive dressing. The instructional video is here. I am told it has received thumbs up from TCCC types worldwide, and is considered by many to be a product advancement over comparable trauma bandage systems. Price is under $7. Here’s inside the sealed wrapper:
Have a safe 4th of July. But be prepared for all things trauma, big and small.
Does the medical honey taste sweet? Did your dog try and lick it off?
Yes. No.
What are your thoughts on the OLAES Modular Bandage versus something like the Israeli battle dressing? Same? Better? Worse?
No personal preference except perhaps which might fit better in a particular shape med kit, but I keep in a large open duffel or plastic bag (with Bloodstopper bandages and rolled gauze) so have not had to choose. See below for links to Israeli v. Olaes discussions. The comments seem right when I look at packaging, ease to open and use without help, and quality of contents. Most of the commentary seems to favor Olaes, but not by much. Those who choose Israeli seem to based on the less bulky packaging. I believe military units may have preference going either way, or neither, as some go back to basic components. Some comments prefer the 6-inch Olaes, though it is a really big package.
http://edcforums.com/threads/anyone-have-any-opinions-on-the-israeli-vs-olaes-bandage.78093/
http://www.zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=71908
Bloodstopper: http://www.amazon.com/Stopper-Compress-Multi-Purpose-Trauma-Dressing/dp/B0008GKJ98
Thank you for reporting on this much needed subject! This site adds tremendous value to those who follow it.
Medical honey is a fascinating new development in wound care that’s centuries old. I’ve seen it used to care for patients with MRSA or VRE wounds with good effect in addition to having heard reports of natural honey being used in low resource care environments (think medical missionary facilities and 3rd world clinics) for the same thing. I should warn however, that unless it is appropriately sterilized (like Medihoney), using natural honey can cause more problems than it cures so just get the medical grade stuff. Pulling honey from Wal-Mart may not be effective and may cause botulism.
Thanks for commenting. I was not aware it was used on VRE wounds. That will likely become very significant in the future.
Good point on not using kitchen shelf honey. Reminded me that I have kitchen honey fresh after 10 years. I checked the Medihoney containers; wondering why they have an expiration date — less than two years.
The OLAES Dressing is one of the most versatile dressings I’ve ever used(8 years as a combat medic and now LEO). I was introduced to them recently during some medical-heavy training and after spending several weeks using them two things came to mind “Why the hell didn’t I think of that” and “I wish I had these when I was active duty”. As mentioned above, the OLAES are mu versatile and well thought out, as well as being reasonably priced.