We all know that the duct tape is a tape made with a cloth backing and found in the first aid kit. This type of tape is typically used for different purposes, in many cases for improvising.
This article takes a look at what the duct tape contained in a first aid kit is used for.
Read to find out more and get enlightened.
What are the uses of small duct tape roll in a first aid kit?
The duct tape can be used for various purposes, which include:
1. As a bandage
Duct tape can be used with gauze to cover a wound. This can be done by cleaning the wound and cutting out a piece of gauze which is placed on the sticky side of the duct tape to cover the wounded area.
2. For wart removal
Did you know small duct tape roll can actually help remove warts? It’s a cheap and surprisingly effective method! A study even showed that 85% of people using duct tape got rid of their warts, compared to only 60% who used freezing treatments.
Here’s how you can try it:
Cut a small piece of duct tape to fit right over the wart.
Keep it on for 6 days (replace it if it falls off).
After 6 days, remove the tape, soak the wart in water, and gently scrub it with a pumice stone.
Leave it uncovered overnight, then repeat the process until the wart is gone (but don’t go beyond 2 months).
Give it a try! It’s easy and might work better than you’d think!
3. For a splint
Duct tape can be used to make splints in the case of a broken limb to help immobilize the limb. If a limb is broken, no attempt should be made to move it. Instead, look around for a pair of straight sticks and place them on either side of the broken limb, then hold them in place by wrapping the duct tape around them. Do not make the tape too tight. Please note that what we stated here is not a complete treatment; proper medical attention should be sought immediately.
4. Prevention of blisters
Blisters are caused by heat or friction damaging the skin. Whether hiking or going on long walks, the feet spend a long number of hours in a boot, making it quite easy to catch a blister. Duct tape can be used to prevent blisters by wrapping a piece of tape around the area where the blister usually occurs or is threatening to occur.
5. To make a sling
A sling to keep a broken arm in one place can be made with duct tape. Cut out duct tape similar in length to your forearm. Then place 2 pieces of duct tape diagonally on either side of the tape, beginning from the top. Connect the two diagonal ends with another piece of duct tape, creating a triangle with a line in the middle. Flip the tape triangle over and put more duct tape over the sticky side. Place the sling in-between the injured arm and the chest while the person is holding the arm with the fingers higher than the elbow. Join the two ends around the back of the neck with duct tape.
6. Removing Tick
Ticks latch onto the skin surface, and they carry diseases like Lyme disease. Due to this, you must ensure that they are removed within a 24 hour period because they can transfer dangerous bacteria. To remove a tick that has gripped your skin with duct tape, cut out a strip of tape that is large enough to pinch in-between the fingers to create a crease. Use the tweezers of the duct tape to pinch and remove the tick. Ensure that every part of the tick is removed so as not to risk having an infection.
7. To protect a bug bite.
Regardless of the insect, when a bug bite begins to itch, it is important not to scratch. Doing this could open up the bite mark to an infection. Cut out a piece of duct tape and place it on the bug bite area once it happens to minimize scratching.
8. Holding a wound together
In the event of a long, deep cut or wound, it is advisable to get the wound sealed before proper medical attention can be sought. This will reduce the risk of scarring, infection and also reduce blood loss. A butterfly suture can be done with just duct tape. Butterfly sutures are not meant to act like bandages. It is just meant to hold either side of the skin together quickly when the relevant tool is not available.
9. Joint and Ankle support
To lower the frequency of occurrence fractures and sprains while playing sports, duct tapes can be used on the knees, wrists, or ankles for more stability. Bind layers of duct tape around the joint until it feels stable.
10. Duct tape Tourniquet
A tourniquet is placed around a bleeding or wounded limb to apply pressure to the limb in an attempt to reduce blood loss. When the appropriate equipment is not available, duct tape can be used to improvise. Loop the duct tape around the wound a couple of times and ensure that there is no slack.
With such versatility for usage, duct tape is essential and must-have material in a first aid box. From the prevention of bleeding, removal of the cactus spine, fixing of tears on camp tents, this tape offers so many numerous benefits.
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