I was looking for super glue for my first aid kit tonight and noticed this pack of single use tubes of Krazy Glue. They come in a little plastic case, so that would probably eliminate the chances of making a mess. Their total weight was only listed at 0.07 ounces. My only concern would be needing multiple tubes for a large wound. Anyway, I've never used glue for first aid purposes, so I figured I would get some opinions.



Also, does anyone know if it's the same thing as super glue? The warnings on the box said something about the potential to burn skin.

Edited by RomanLA on 11/20/2008 19:51:10 MST.

Yep that is the same as super glue. I used that exact stuff in my blister kit. I find that the tubes are more than I need at one time. I can fill two large blisters with one tube and still have enough left over to stick all the fingers on my right hand together. Super glue works well for blisters but can be hassle if you get it on the wrong surface.

Yep I carry one of the tiny tubes as well.

I wish I had known about this back when I ran my X-acto blade into my hand (long story)! When the bleeding won't stop even after 5-6 hours, I drove myself to the emergency room for a stitch up. They stopped the bleeding, sure, but then charged me $900! :(

I think this stuff was originally developed for medical purposes, they just found out it was good for gluing construction workers to I-beams as a bonus (remember those commercials?)

Ben, I once ran a chefs knife most of the way through the palm of my hand (doc said it was a 1/4 inch from going through) no amount of crazy glue would have fixed that. nicked a big vein too, bled like crazy.

Why am I telling this story, it's tmi, eh? Avoiding writing a lesson plan, I suppose.

Ouch! Scary!

Mine was only about a quarter inch through -- never life threatening although it refused to clot.

Lesson plan? You must be a teacher. Curious -- what subject/level?

Well, technically I am a student teacher who is four teaching days away from getting certified to teach high school language arts. I absolutely love it. I used to be a chef (hence the aforementioned accident) and a commercial fisherman (which had a couple of other accidents), but this seems to be my true calling.

I work in a really cool, diverse, inner city school right now, lets hope that someone retires so I can get a job soon.

sorry, I have that new guy enthusiasm and I love to talk about it.

Edited by joshcgil2 on 11/21/2008 17:25:01 MST.

Four days till certification? A hearty 'congrats in advance' to you!!!

You have chosen one of the noblest of professions! May your new-guy enthusiasm never wane.

Joshua
Given your history I must warn you about paper cuts....
Franco

"I think this stuff was originally developed for medical purposes"

I found this explanation about how it was originally used for medical purposes. It sounds like the medical stuff is the safest to use though.
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2187/was-super-glue-invented-to-seal-battle-wounds-in-vietnam

Edited by RomanLA on 11/20/2008 22:11:07 MST.

I have been banned from cutting avocados in our house :-P Lets just say I have cut my hand twice now - once sticking a chef knife in my palm and last month I cut half way through my thumb with a paring knife.

It is a good thing that my husband knows his first aid as I stand there crying like a baby and whining loudly.

And yes, the glue will work - though I prefer a couple other items instead as first use.

Thanks for the info, Sarah.

And Roman, sorry for going on a tangent... although I figure you got your question answered. Krazy glue it is.

Take a look at this this report. Surgeon performed brain surgery using superglue!

My doctor told me (and the ER doctor) that there was a "medical" grade superglue, and not to use the store bought brands. I think they were being paranoid though, I still use Krazy glue.

I've bookmarked Superglue for cuts. I think it's a good read.

Any Cyanoacrylate or CyA based glue will work, I've seen it done (but is not recommended as the medical version is chemically a bit different). Don't use slow dry or gap filling versions hobbyists use. The medical version is called Dermabond. See this link for other information regarding application and possible reactions http://www.dermabond.com/product/index.html

There is also a debonder available in case you glue your fingers together.

Most Radio Controlled Hobby stores, Model Building supply stores, Jewelry suppliers, will carry it, that is CyA not Dermabond.
Any RC Hobby magazine will list many of the largest retailers.

Edited by NormanB on 11/25/2008 21:08:08 MST.