If you are an adventurous soul, and you enjoy hiking, snowboarding, backpacking, or vacationing in a remote area, you are always at risk of injury.  Sometimes, if you fall and end up with a deep cut, band-aids won’t be able to stop the bleeding.

For such cases, there is a new and effective product on the market, known as ZipStich, which offers a quick solution in an easy way.

According to its official website, this product is the only surgical-quality wound closure device available without a prescription. It is non-invasive and easy to use, and treats cuts with hospital-grade technology. It will help you continue your outdoor activities with less interruption, pain, hassle, and huge costs. 

ZipStich is made with four zip-ties connected by two extremely adhesive bandages, which are stuck on either side of the injury. Then, you just pull the zip-ties shut. This genius invention is suitable for most wounds, even the ones that are not perfectly symmetrical. Yet, note that it can protect the wound for up to 7 days.

When it comes to its application, according to the instructions provided on the ZipStich website, you should initially clean and dry the area to prevent infections

• Then, as with any adhesive bandage, the area must be dry for adhesive to stick well
• Remove the clear liner
• Center the device on wound and press firmly on the skin
• Remove the paper frame
• Hold the lock in place and pull the strap to tension. Repeat for each strap, but make sure you do not over-tighten
• Cut the straps as short as possible by lifting loop and cutting close to lock housing.

Remember that it is created to be used in emergency situations only, and in the case of a serious injury, you should visit a doctor. It is also advisable to see a doctor even if you have used it, to avoid infections and accelerate healing.

Furthermore, besides the ZipStich, plenty of food, maps, flashlights, and extra batteries, the Red Cross recommends that you also add the following items to your first aid kit:

• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• Scissors
• Tweezers

Source: www.coolthings.com