The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Is this method used, or just invented by hollywood?

Russ538 · December 6, 2005, 01:06 AM

After a short while of searching, I was only able to come up with one instance where doing such a thing was mentioned in the past.

"RATTLESNAKE BITE: {In the Handbook For Boys, first aid instructions by Major Charles Lynch of the American National Red Cross, 1926 edition, it was recommended to cauterize the wound as found particularly efficacious by hunters, to remove the bullet from a cartridge, pour the gunpowder into the wound, and set it alight.}"

Source: http://www.enw.org/Oldaid.htm

So, at one time I guess this was reasonable treatment in some instances, according to the American National Red Cross.

Say you were out in the wilderness, miles away from any first aid kits (with a cut, snake bite, bullet wound, etc). Would this even be something to consider? Or would it just make much more sense to try to stop the bleeding with cloth from a shirt?

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, does anyone think this method would still be used nowadays at all, in any situation?

December 6, 2005, 01:06 AM	#7
Russ538 Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 2005 Location: PA Posts: 228	After a short while of searching, I was only able to come up with one instance where doing such a thing was mentioned in the past. "RATTLESNAKE BITE: {In the Handbook For Boys, first aid instructions by Major Charles Lynch of the American National Red Cross, 1926 edition, it was recommended to cauterize the wound as found particularly efficacious by hunters, to remove the bullet from a cartridge, pour the gunpowder into the wound, and set it alight.}" Source: http://www.enw.org/Oldaid.htm So, at one time I guess this was reasonable treatment in some instances, according to the American National Red Cross. Say you were out in the wilderness, miles away from any first aid kits (with a cut, snake bite, bullet wound, etc). Would this even be something to consider? Or would it just make much more sense to try to stop the bleeding with cloth from a shirt? I guess what I'm trying to ask is, does anyone think this method would still be used nowadays at all, in any situation?