Sponsored by Soup*
Dodgy brothers barefoot renovating is our specialty at the Sow's Ear. Where footwear is optional and safety gloves are an afterthought when it comes to DIY.As you can imagine, we've had a few renovating boo boos. It's mainly Jason who gets injured but I've trodden on a few rogue nails when I do barefoot laundry duties...
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| One of many Jason DIY wounds |
When we were contacted by Soup to test the new Elastoplast Heavy Fabric Waterproof strips, we thought why not? We really suck at wound management...the first-aid kit is stocked with cheap-arse no-name plaster strips...because we mostly use them as a placebo effect...our kids pop a plaster on even when they don't break skin and are instantly healed.
Anyway, testing Elastoplast has been enlightening from my perspective. I never realised that using plasters for moist wound healing is better than letting a small wound air-dry. It prevents scabs and scarring. Who knew this stuff? By rights, Jason's poor head shouldn't be so scarred!
I asked Jason if he had any fresh wounds that required managing. He pretty much told me to F off...especially as I had a knife in my hand. No wounds to be managed this week.
So, I wrapped an Elastoplast plaster over a minuscule scratch I had on my finger and put it under the tap to test its "waterproofness". No kidding, the water literally bounced off the plaster fabric. It's made of Hi-DryTex material which makes it breathable and super-waterproof.
It beats the no-name generic plaster strips which become sodden and peel off at the sight of water.
Hm mm...it's probably not an idea to skimp on your medical supplies after conducting this test... Not all plaster strips are equal.
And with that, Soup and Elastoplast want to share the love. You can win two packs of Elastoplast Heavy Fabric Waterproof strips to try out and stock in your first-aid kit, as well as $150 Bunnings voucher to splurge on your DIY projects. Hooray!
Simply leave a comment on this post telling me your best first-aid tip...
Entries close Sunday 10 June 2012. No international entries...boo! Jason will pick a winner which will be announced next Monday. If you leave an anonymous entry, please include a name and email address so I can contact you. Good luck everyone!
*Soup have kindly organised $150 worth of Elastoplast products to be donated to a local non-profit community group of my choice (I'm thinking our local Scouts group). Thanks Soup and Elastoplast!
Tip: Don't let an almost 3 year old apply her own elastoplast. While she has fun with it, you end up with wrappers in between the couch cushions and the plasters all wadded up in her hair instead of on her scratch.
ReplyDeletesherismommyadventures@gmail.com
Technology is amazing...I never knew any of this stuff either. I have always been a follower of the air dry technique. I will have to investigate. It has been my research though, and I know I am not alone in this study, that where boys are, and by boys I mean males of all ages, band aids should be also. In fact I only just applied one minutes before reading this post to a 20 year old....
ReplyDeleteHave it stock with essentials and keep an eye on the expiry dates. Just like the Scouts: Be Prepared!
ReplyDeletedonkey.12@live.com.au
A little kiss and a hug and an elastoplast bandaid makes all boo boo's a lot better. Even the big kids.
ReplyDeleteHaving restored our share of homes over the past 10 years, I always find by watching your partner do all the work, that it prevents accidents. I have minimal scaring and scratching and my manicure stays perfect.
ReplyDeleteI'm known as a "back seat renovator" and often put in my two cents worth, so, I'm very glad to hear of the breathability of Elastoplast Heavy Fabric. It means that when my Hubby covers my mouth with one of these amazing "healers" to prevent my comments, that I can still watch in silence without fear of passing out.....
My best tip DON'T PANIC, even if your 11 yr old looks like he had a run in with a giant size cheese grater it is only grazes,he will scream like a girl,he will survive. I wish these had been around when my kids were younger.Wonder if you can buy them in bulk, said 11 yr old's son has inherited his father's talent for disaster(also the screaming)
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to be ready for all accidents. When I almost took my thumb off a few years ago now trying to cut a glass mosaic tile in half I had nothing in the house to hold the wound together. Off to the chemist and I purchased some of those steri-strips (genius) and (even more genius) some of the Electoplast Silver plasters. Wow, they're amazing - in fact they're all I use now. That big gapping wound that had pharmacy staff told me to take to emergency is barely a scar now - I'm sure it's due to those silver plasters. Heals the wound so well. I have a cupboard full of them now.
ReplyDeletemy best tip is not to get hurt in the first place but if you do have a teddy bear handy they help soothe the aches and tears
ReplyDeleteNothing heals hurt and pain more than a loving hug and a precious kiss, always helps my little munchkins feel better.
ReplyDeleteI am a recent convert to Hydrogen Peroxide 3% - putting it on burns and cuts and nasty bites - it really works in killing all those germies that can lead to infection. Another plus is that it is as cheap as chips too.
ReplyDeleteI'm not quite sure if this qualifies as a "first aid" tip but Hubby swears by wrapping a pair of socks, that you've worn that day, around your neck if you feel a cold coming on. Has something to do with sweating and ... and ... ??? :-)
ReplyDeleteAlways have a first aid kit handy - car, house, caravan, boat, mini one in the handbag (for when you are out with the family and hubby injures himself at the park doing skateboard stunts - the ones he last did 25 years ago)
ReplyDeleteasilcim@hotmail.com
Whenever you have a cut, burn or graze; basically anything that's sore and needs attention, use Vitamin E Capsules. Cut them in half and pour the liquid gel over the sore and I guarantee it will shrink in size and pain overnight. It's amazing stuff! I grazed my knee from fake grass and all the skin came off, by the next day with this Vitamin E capsule, it had shrunk half the size!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is medicated HONEY. Yes, that's correct, HONEY. It is fabulous for grazes, cuts and burns (trust me on that). I had a car accident a few years ago with some pretty bad grazing on my face and neck from the airbag. Medicated honey cleared it up brilliantly with no scaring and it smells yummy, too :-) A good elastoplast is also essential with the honey as you don't want it getting everywhere and attracting the bees ;-)
ReplyDeleteDont panic!!!! Get into action straight away and try to help quickly. My best tip is a kiss and a cuddle and letting the injured person know you are there for them.
ReplyDeleteHave a nurse in the family! My mum is a nurse so I just call her if anything requires more than a plaster and an 'Are you ok?'
ReplyDeleteIf they're under 12 put an ice pack on it. Being a primary school teacher I've learnt that ice packs offer miracle cures and are regarded as something of a frozen elixir by kids across the nation. It works almost every time. And if it doesn't, you definitely need to seek medical advice!
ReplyDeleteHave mum on speed-dial. Mum's know everything. If its broke she can fix it or will know exactly what to do to get it fixed!
ReplyDeletea plastic bag of frozen peas for any bumps, and a jellybean/plaster for pretty much anything else!miss liongirl is known for being very liberal with the plasters so some spares would be handy- don't suppose they come in pink? melx
ReplyDeleteUse the inside to an Aloe Vera plant to burns. It dulls the sting and also helps take away the redness. I've got whole bundle of them in my garden.
ReplyDeleteTracy
gavtrac4@bigpond.com
Prevention is always better than a cure - however, life doesn't go to plan, so mkae sure you have one; basic bandages should be in every home and vehicle.
ReplyDeleteWoops - fry4family@bigpond.com
ReplyDeleteA band aid heals all wounds
ReplyDeleteBad or good
sorry me anoymous
ReplyDeleteA band aid heals all wounds
Bad or good
vlt06comp@yahoo.com.au
Download the St Johns Ambulance app to your phone. It has step-by-step emergency fist aid information and diagrams too.
ReplyDeleteIt can be the difference between life and death! I have it on my IPhone and highly recommend it.
I think my best first aid tip is plenty of love wrapped in a bottle of your finest! works for me anyway! Have a lovely afternoon xx
ReplyDeleteKeep calm. Look the "patient" in the eye and say, "you will be fine"...reassuring words are as healing as any first aid measure.
ReplyDeleteDont let me anywhere near power tools, that seems to work pretty well to stop accidents at my house!
ReplyDeleteMost of first aid with kids is placebo, a band aid can fix almost anything, other wise the threat of chopping off the affected limb usually serves to stop the pain. Oh and the promise of ice cream.
ReplyDeleteWe have almost finished our renovations - turning our garage into a playroom - door through the lounge. It took a year with designers and council approval and then 6 months renos.. still going - awaiting concrete driveway and husband to paint the walls and put the tiles down. So we would spend it on Paint. Paint and perhaps some herbs for my garden!
ReplyDeleteMy best first aid tip is ice. Apply ice to the injury and then add another handful to the necessary restorative g&t to follow :)
ReplyDeleteKeep a well stocked first aid kit with all the basic supplies but ensure all medications, including non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, out of reach of children
ReplyDeleteIf the victim has a pulse and is breathing, there is not need to give them mouth to mouth unless they are incredibly hot!
ReplyDeleteTeach your children 000 and have a list of important phone numbers near the phone. With a hubby that works away alot this has come in handy twice now when I needed my 7 year old to make the call.'
ReplyDeleteaustinapage@hotmail.com
The old placebo of a bandaid on everything for my kids will live forever...
ReplyDeleteljscomp@hotmail.com
I always ask the under 12's in my house if they need the "kid ambulance" that comes for anything,bump,insult, paper cut.... it always gets a laugh and the tears evaporate quick.
ReplyDeleteThe over 12's in my house swear by gaffa tape it fixes anything.
hi my kids all loved bandaids, so much so that i gave up buying them. what i found worked best was " get the knife" they would run off half crying, half laughing. mean arent i ? never mind no after effects as yet.robyne
ReplyDeletePaw Paw heals everything. Before I put a bandaid on, I put Paw paw on it and it heals faster.
ReplyDeleteDialing 000 is a winner at our place ;)
ReplyDeletesimonefish@gmail.com
Ice is one of the best pain relievers there is- we have a couple of flexible icepacks in the freezer at all times. My kids know when they get hurt what to do...my 2 year old doesn't just run inside crying- he also says ''I need ice!!'' lol!
ReplyDeleteThe best first aid is approaching everything calmly and then handing out a band-aid and a kiss and a cuddle.
ReplyDeleteHmm best tip would be, be prepared for all possiblities. When I got married I soon relised I need to stock up on everything from bandaids to bandages, bedadine to icepacks and tweezers, just go to chemist and buy one of everything then you'll be ready.
ReplyDeleteAlways have a bottle of vodka at the ready I say. It cures everything.
ReplyDeleteTDM. Xx
Dont panic and make sure your first aid kit is restocked each time you use it and have another one in the car .
ReplyDeleteNever underestimate H2O. Great for burns Cool water flushes away pain in stings and bites.
ReplyDelete@k_isfor_kelly
have a teaspoon of cement and toughen up lol
ReplyDeleteHave all your first supplies (for human and pet) in one spot so there's no running around trying to find it in those emergency moments.
ReplyDeleteLisa
With 3 boys, and most accidents (= collisions) involving more than one boy at a time, the bag of frozen peas is a godsend as a substitute ice pack. Always handy for the kids to see how good vegetables are for you as well...
ReplyDeletekeep up the good work
neilandbec@yahoo.com.au
Marry a doctor...failing that become one!
ReplyDeleteFailing that, move near an A&E department. If all of that fails, then clean water, antiseptic and a gauze covering will see to most wound type mishaps and a simple basic First Aid book should help with most questions. Completing a First Aid course even just a day is also a great idea as it can give you the basics of CPR and a few other quick tricks up your sleeve.
x
PS Genenerous give away, and I think that the local Scouts is a great group for the plasters.
Grow your own Aloe Vera plant. Easy to grow in anyone's backyard, even here where we get so little rain.
ReplyDeleteAny burn, cut, bruise, we immediately clean it up and apply fresh aloe vera. Does wonders for nearly everything and all natural!
maarsaaron@gmail.com
Paw paw ointment *shy*
ReplyDeleteBe prepared! Maintain a well-stocked first aid kit and just like the Scouts, ensure materials support your physical (band aids), mental (jelly beans) and spiritual (nip of spirits) development, health and wellbeing!
ReplyDeleteholiday.resort@hotmail.com
Expect the worse to happen that way your prepared to deal with it and always have your first aid supplies next to you so they are easy to reach.
ReplyDeletecold peas in the freezer and aloe on the door step :) covered! copious band-aides .... best le
ReplyDeleteDisney bandaids make EVERYONE feel better.
ReplyDeleteI swear to God the more I read this blog the more I reckon Jason and Mr red roses are related.
ReplyDeleteSame cut on head, same haircut, same DIY obsessions and crappy work clothes.
Truly.
xx
Best first aid tip for my kiddies is to distract them!
ReplyDeleteI.C.E - IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
ReplyDeleteput these 3 letters in your mobile phone with your best emergency contact number. Emergency personnel will always look for ICE in your phone for someone to ring if you have a serious accident
Paw paw cream is the handiest item to have around! You can use it on small cuts, grazes, insect bites, minor burns. Best of all, it makes your lips super soft for kissing the patient all better!
ReplyDeleteThe best first aid tip, is that "Prevention is the key!" If you prevent hurting yourself in the first place, you won't need first aid. And if all else fails, always make sure you have your elastoplast strips handy for any occasion!
ReplyDeleteThe best first aid tip, is that "Prevention is the key!" If you prevent hurting yourself in the first place, you won't need first aid. And if all else fails, always make sure you have your elastoplast strips handy for any occasion!
ReplyDeleteAmy
amy_burden@hotmail.com
Why not give the RBH a break from our bevy of injury ridden boys? It is after all rugby season and Father is still to resume transmission out the front. Bring on the band aids and DIY ASAP I say!
ReplyDeleteI HATE the thought od an injury, blood etc., so my best tip is to live next door to a nurse. (Having a Mum as a nurse is an added bonus!).
ReplyDeleterussellcathryn at yahoo.com.au
ring 1300 health... perhaps pathetic, but true! :) glad its there!!
ReplyDeletetheaussiemommy at gmail dot com
When it comes to kids and injuries,
ReplyDeleteFrom bumps on heads and little scraped knees,
It's best not to make such a big deal,
Of small little things that will eventually heal.
But one thing's for sure, to prepare for first aid,
To have a stocked first aid kit with lots of band aids.
Fill it with medicine and feel better drugs,
And be sure to include lots of kisses and hugs.
Being a Wildlife Education Officer my tip would be how to perform first aid on a snake bite. Do not wash the wound site and do not suck the venom out with your mouth. You must wrap the entire length of the limb and keep the person immobilised and calm. Get them to a doctor asap. Try not to get bitten in the first place though.
ReplyDeleteTo keep a first aid kit both at home and in the car because lets face it accidents can happen anywhere anytime and you need to be prepared.
ReplyDeleteI keep a list stuck to the inside of the box with all the items that should be kept in the kit and check it every few months to make sure it is stocked up and items haven't been contaminated in any way.
Keep the wound clean as it will not heal properly with infection. Also minimises scarring. Antiseptic cream and bandages will help. My lifeline when I have a medical question that doesn't warrant a doctor's visit or ambulance (eg how to treat a minor burn) is Nurse on Call in Victoria and speaking to a Registered Nurse 1300 60 60 24. It is run by the government.
ReplyDeleteI believe there are similar services for other states to speak to a Registered Nurse (initiated by the government) but I have not tried them.
With a chef husband our most common injuries are burn related (you'd think a professional would have learnt how to avoid this but apparently not!). Best burn tip? Apple cider vinegar on the burn site, stops the burn in its tracks.
ReplyDeleteluckynukiper@gmail.com
Make sure your medicine kit is fully stocked and dont let your 70 mother near the pool. I found this out over summer with my 70 year old mother lost her balance and took a huge tumble next to the pool. Banged her head on the pool fence and ripped her leg open on the side of the pool. I didnt have any medical supplies, so had to race to the chemist dripping wet with my bathers on, to get some bandages. Mum was fine, just a litle bit shaken, but as my 7 year old daughter says, "Nana, you can come over, but your not going near the pool"!
ReplyDeleteWhenever there's a cut or graze, a quick swipe of dettol, compress with a clean cloth, whack on a bandaid, a kiss and hug for the littlies and a HARDEN UP PRINCESS for the biggies :)
ReplyDeletenjstoute@three.com.au
Bandaids strategically placed under my tight, clingy dress really helps when the weather's a little nippy!
ReplyDeleteChange your bandaid often - leaving wounds to fester isn't very pleasant
ReplyDeleteor smart!
sir_fixalot88@hotmail.com
Blame your hubby who should have been doing that job instead, sometime between the 2nd and 40th time he was asked.
ReplyDeleteFor an adult first aid tip, the best solution is to give them a cup of concrete and tell them to harden up;
ReplyDeleteFor little kiddies, remain calm, run inside and panic, then check the First Aid Book and run back outside and try to be calm and follow the first aid instructions;
For myself; faint and hope someone finds me to give me proper first aid :)
salt water is a fantastic cleaner of bloody body parts, and also for bloody carpet, tiles, floors, doors, walls, etc
ReplyDeleteConfucius say: when ripping a bandaid off hairy leg swear LOUDLY - makes forget pain fast!
ReplyDeleteoutback_adam@hotmail.com
Keeping my girlfrind on hand when I ever do anything remotely dangerous. Her dad is a butcher and growing up she has more experience of patching up all different cut depths then most doctors have in their whole career
ReplyDeletegaznshaz@hotmail.com
Don't freak out when your two year old crashes into a full sized mirror (because she wants to play with the "other baby") just quickly apply band-aids and call an ambulance.
ReplyDeleteHave a first aid kit in the car as well as the house. My four kids have hurt themselves so many times at the park or on an outing. Always be prepared is my motto
ReplyDeleteNever forget the power of a kiss it better when the little ones cry over a little hurt and just need some comfort.
ReplyDeletet.boult@hotmail.com
To remove an insect from your ear simply shine a penlight or flashlight into the ear canal. The insect will be attracted to the light and exit the ear.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should learn cpr. You never know when you might need to use it.
ReplyDelete" Easy as pulling off a bandaid" Whoever said that havent seen some of the bandaids today haha... My kids dread the bandaid removal process, for normal elastoplast bandaids a good soak & play in the tub normally does the trick, otherwise try a little olive oil then followed by a cookie for your brave little soldier works everytime.
ReplyDeleteStay calm, act quick and reassure,
ReplyDeleteOr you may find the injured passed out on the floor!
whoops, forgot to include this!
ReplyDeletenoneed2no@hotmail.com
It is best to not let little spiderman's believe spidey is real.... jumping out of a tree does not guarantee spider web like protection.
ReplyDeleteoddessylee@yahoo.com.au
Ice is good for just about everything.
ReplyDeletechaney__13@hotmail.com
Pop use to tell us nothing better then dog siliva for that bleeding bloody cut stop it straight away mmmmmmm me yuck but it worked
ReplyDeleteNikki smith
Sjslabourservices@yahoo.com.au
Obviously for kids Elastoplast, ice packs and hugs work wonders. Any lingering tears or niggling pains are quickly eliminated by discussions of hospitals and needles!
ReplyDeleteI am a kinder teacher by trade and before I had kids I was, I am ashamed to say, "frugal with the band aids". Since having my own kids I have had an epiphany and understand the importance of proper decent size wound management. Now I am happy to dispense these sticky babies to all and sundry, I have learnt that a hug, a kind word and an impressive piece of elstoplast can cure most things, even invisible cuts.
ReplyDeleteI always bring out the 'magic' Elastoplast on a roll for the kids to hold and squeeze when I need to do some first aid. They need to sit very still but the pain will go when they hold the roll of tape. Works every time. Could be the distraction technique but I do love Elastoplast! Also, I make really cool ambulance noises as I bring my first aid kit to the patient. Sounds like your boy had quite a tumble! Good for the mummy vs helmet argument.
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm I have many first aid treatments, but as a Primary teacher I deal with numerous scrapes and grazes throughout a day. The one that works best....... a drink of water and a rest it makes everything better, and if not the 'magic spray' works miracles. It works like this...the child/children close eyes whilst I make spraying sounds with my mouth...once the child opens their eyes everything even broken legs have been known to be healed...ha... works every time!
ReplyDeletemake sure to leave A supply of bandaids in every room of the house especially with young kids as you never know when an "ouchie" happens
ReplyDeletemzmumma81@lottos.com.au
The best tip is to always shave the area first before applying a bandaid, especially for a male, cause ripping one off can be more painful than the original owie!
ReplyDeleteMake sure you buy a house next door to a DOCTOR/SURGEON - Very HANDY NEIGHBOURS when you're RENOVATING!
ReplyDeletekaffa52@hotmail.com
A-irway, B-reathing, C-irculation,
ReplyDeleteAnd stop the flow of blood!
If none of these is working,
You've probably got a dud!!
Saline wash and ice packs go a long way
ReplyDeletettl29@hotmail.com