Stitching Wounds: How To Suture

Because the hospitals will be closed in a SHTF situation, you should learn to stitch a wound yourself. "Stitching" a wound is synonymous with "suturing" a wound. My top suggestion for you on how to suture wounds is to participate in a training course and getting hands-on training in stitching wounds. There are courses available that will train you on how to stitch a wound using different types of suture material, different types of sutures, and proper suture techniques.

You should also purchase a good suture kit. A good suture kit will have the needed materials for wound closure, including , probes, forceps, scalpels (handles and blades), hemostats (needle holder), suture (both absorbable and non-absorbable), syringes, operating scissors, sterilization material, suture needles (often attached to the suture material), and medical gloves.

Here is a beginner's guide on how to suture a wound:

1. Sterilize the equipment you are going to be using. Most suture kits will come with sterilization material (rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, etc...). First, wash the equipment thoroughly with water and soap. Then soak it in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide for 20 to 30 seconds. After that, let it dry on a clean paper towel or cloth. Alternatively, you can sterilize equipment with an open flame. However, make sure you hold the equipment to the side of the flame so that soot doesn't accumulate on the equipment. Wash your hands thoroughly and wear surgical gloves if you have them.

2. If you have a local anesthetic or pain relief medicine you should use it, depending on the person's pain tolerance and the location and severity of the wound.

3. Clean and Irrigate the wound. Before you close the wound, it is essential that you clean out foreign debris, wash with disinfectant, and prepare the sides of the wound to make a complete and effective suture. Use a syringe to irrigate the wound with saline or other antibacterial fluid. If there is debris that does not come out with the irrigation method, use the scalpel to work it out.

4. Prepare the edges. Stitching together jagged and damaged flesh is difficult and can lead to infection. Use the scalpel and/or surgical scissors to cautiously cut away loose or jagged flesh. Do this only as much as is necessary to prepare the edges of the wound for a a clean suture.

5. Stitch wound. When stitching a wound, use the hemostat to hold the suture needle. I believe that it is hard to really visualize how to suture a wound just by reading it. That is why I have included this video:


For more information, check out my blog post on How To Suture

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