In a post-disaster environment, paramedics and medical response teams are inundated with emergency calls and assign degrees of urgency to emergency calls. If your call is not on the list of priority medical issues, then you will have to wait. Those who understand this know that in these times of crisis, we must become our own medics and know how to treat medical emergencies during disaster events.

Stopping a critical life threatening bleed is paramount in an emergency situation and, in some cases, takes precedence over airways and breathing.  This is one of those medical issues that you need to know how to care for. One product that preppers like to have on hand are the Celox or QuikClot like bandages that help stop this type of excessive bleeding. These wound dressings contain a hemostatic agent in powder or granule form that is applied directly to a wound to help stop bleeding. These dressings are usually reserved for when a major artery has been severed and bleeding out is a concern.

A downside to this type of emergency wound dressing is it is extremely difficult to debride or clean out of a wound. As well, because you are introducing a foreign object into the body, it has the capacity of cause further irritation and possible infection. In fact, many complain that when they used QuikClot, it caused heat in the wound from the chemicals used. This can cause a lot of pain! Moreover, many turn to QuikClot wound dressings prematurely when applying direct pressure may have been the best approach.

Remember: If you have not severed an artery, apply direct pressure to the wound and see if your body creates a natural clot.

Cayenne: A Natural Wound Dressing

If you find yourself in a situation where you have to attend to a bleeding wound, take comfort in the fact that everything you need is sitting in your kitchen pantry. Many have found that cayenne pepper is an effective alternative and natural version of QuikClot. Cayenne pepper contains an active ingredient, called capsaicin, which has analgesic (pain relieving) properties and various other medicinal uses.

Why is cayenne pepper so effective for bleeding wounds?

• Equalizes the blood pressure and allows cuts—even deep cuts—to clot quickly.
• Possesses antifungal and antibacterial capabilities, it naturally disinfects the wound
• Naturally promotes healing in tissues
• Is a natural pain killer

Cayenne pepper is a great survival plant and also works to improve blood circulation, assist digestion, stimulate perspiration and saliva, and lessen pain from swollen or arthritic joints and limbs.

Cayenne powder can be applied directly to the open wound to stop bleeding. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of pepper to the wound and cover with a gauze pad to apply direct pressure to wound. Apply pressure for up to 10 minutes or make your own cayenne pepper gauze pads.

To Use Cayenne Pepper Gauze

1. Remove debris and flush wound thoroughly.
2. Place cayenne-coated gauze on wound and add additional gauze pads to apply pressure.
3. Apply direct  pressure for up to 10 minutes.
4. Remove gauze pad and wrap with clean bandage.
5. If bleeding does not stop, the wound may need stitches.

Additionally, you can make your own bandages using chitosan

Nature always seem to provide us with everything we need to get by. Chances are, many of you have some cayenne pepper laying around, so keep it safe. You never know, you may need it during an emergency.