24 Uses for Vet Wrap

Homesteaders and Preppers alike want everything to have as many uses as possible. I like that and agree, multipurpose items are best. Today we are going to talk about a modern marvel called vet wrap.

What is Vet Wrap?

Vet wrap is a self-adherent veterinary medical fabric. I was first introduced to vet wrap while I was showing horses. We used it to wrap horses legs after we washed them to keep dirt and dust off till we could get done showing.

It didn't take me long to realize that this wonderful little invention could be used for so much more. The next thing I used it for was to wrap horse hooves after trimming to walk across gravel. I had one horse that her feet would be really sore after a trimming. Each time we would have her hooves trimmed I would wrap them for padding the first day.

There were several injuries and vet wrap can to the rescue. Now we are going to talk about the ways vet wrap can be used to help us people.

Medical Uses

1. For a sprained wrist or ankle. The first time I used vet wrap on something other than an animal I used it on myself. I had sprained my wrist and wrapped it for extra support. Use vet wrap the same way you would use an ace bandage, just no need for the little clips that always get lost.

2. To Secure a splint. Vet wrap can take the place of rope, twine, or even torn fabric is holding a splint in place. The fact that it self adheres makes it even better. You do not have to tie knots. A tuck does help though.

3. A Sling for Arm or Shoulder Injuries. The average role of vet wrap has 5 yards (15 feet) on the roll and comes in 2 and 4 inch wide sizes. It doesn't take but a wrap or two to help hold an arm in place for a sling. Really quick and really easy.

4. Secure an Eye Patch.  Use some gauze or a handkerchief, wrap a couple of times with vet wrap around your head and you are good to go.

5. Tourniquet. Vet wrap is actually really strong and is difficult to tear anyway, bunch it up or roll it and it is more than strong enough to be used for a tourniquet. 

6. Padding for Crutches. If you have had to be on crutches for any length of time at all, you know the pads that they put on those things get gross really quickly and they do not provide much padding at all. Once again this is a place that you can use a handkerchief in cooperation with the vet wrap. Fold the hankie or even just a scrap of fabric into a rectangle that will run the length of the upper arm rest, then wrap with vet wrap to keep in place. You can also just make several wraps if you do not have a hankie or fabric you can use. The addition just means you can use less vet wrap so you still have some for other things. 

7. Wound Care.  This one would I guess just be a given. It was designed for veterinary wound care and it works great on people too.

Personal Comfort Uses

If you get creative there are so many ways to use almost anything. Vet wrap comes in a lot, and I mean a LOT of different colors, so if you are concerned with style, I guess you could make anything match. I don't think much about style, but some do.

8. Headband. Vet wrap alone will not soak up sweat, but with just a small piece of fabric or yes a handkerchief, it can certainly stop sweat from getting in your eyes. If you have long bangs, you can use a simple headband to keep hair out of your eyes.

9. Pony Tail Holder. Don't have a rubber band? No problem if you have vet wrap and you can even use a color that will make it look nice. Either wrap tightly or tie it into a bow and you are ready to go.

10. Protect Your Ears from Wind.  If my wife is out in a high wind for very long she will develop an earache. Do the headband thing, but make sure that you cover the ears and an earache will not be a problem. I would suggest a couple of wrappings to make the band as windproof as possible.

11. Protect against blisters.  This works well especially for feet. If you are going to be doing a lot of walking you can wrap your feet with a round or two to create a barrier between your feet and the most likely parts of your shoes to rub. It will not move. You can also use it for your hands, but I have not had as good results.

12. Scarf.  Will a vet wrap scarf be as warm as a nice wool one? Heck no! Is it better thank nothing? Most certainly.

13. Belt or Suspenders.  I was actually thinking about listing these separately, but if I did it would only be to have a higher number of uses. In my opinion this is two different ways to accomplish the same goal. To stop a full moon from rising. So I put them together.

General Purpose Uses

14. Sling for Carrying Things. This can be as simple or complex as you want. You could tie a water jug to each end and throw the band across your shoulder to help you carry them. This is just one example and will get your brain to running on how to use this better. 

15. Bag or Basket.  This one can actually be quite advanced. If you are not trying to carry anything heavy. the self adherent nature of vet wrap will make it stick together and it can be used as a basic container. If you are wanting some way to carry things that are heavier or you want a more durable container, you can weave a makeshift basket from vet wrap that will do a very good job. 

16. Cordage.  I have already stated that vet wrap is fairly tough as is, but if you just roll it up it gets even stronger. If you have plenty and you want an even stronger rope, you can braid it.

17. Wire Organization.  Tie that extension cord up so it won't tangle, have multiple colors for wire identification. Is it ideal? Nope, but if you are in a pinch you should be able to use what you have in as many ways as you can. 

18. Emergency Muzzle.  I am not suggesting trying to use vet wrap as a muzzle for a dog that is actively trying to bite you, but if you have a dog that is injured and you need to work on them. A vet wrap muzzle could do the trick. Just wrap around the mouth and to the back of the head for extra security. Make sure your dog is breathing well through it's nose. 

19. Quiet something that is making Noise. My dog's vaccination tags come to mind instantly. Especially if I am having a difficult time getting to sleep. If he is scratching and I am trying to sleep, to me those tags can sound like church bells. Just a small bit of vet wrap around the tags and the jingle will stop.

20. Tether. It doesn't matter whether you are tying something to your belt or your backpack, some times all you need is a little something to help keep whatever in place. 

21. Padding for nearly anything. Wrap a few layers around an ax handle and the amount of vibration you will feel will be reduced. Could also be used in conjunction with leaves, cotton, dried cattail heads to make a seat cushion or even a pillow.

22. Anti Slip Surface. Okay, I know this one is going to sound weird, but I have actually done this. While working on a car I wanted to put my phone on the hood. I couldn't keep it in my pocket, I was afraid I would break it. The phone kept slipping off. Small square of vet wrap and the phone stayed still. I know you can use that idea for other things. 

23 Pot Holder. Sometimes things are a little too hot to handle. If you don't have another choice you can use a wrapping or two, to help you deal with these hot situations.

24. Blindfold. It will actually take a couple of rounds, but you can block someones vision with vet wrap. 

Can you think of more ways to use vet wrap? I would love to hear them.

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Why I REALLY Like The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games books and movies have really taken on a life of their own. If you don't know what they are I am truly surprised. But just in case I will provide a summary. Warning: If you have not read the first book or seen the first movie there are some spoilers included.

74 years prior to the first book there was a revolution, the reasons for the revolution were not covered. The government won over the rebels. Instead of addressing the reasons for the uprising, the government decided that the best way to handle the situation was greater control.

The United States is cut into districts, each district specializes in the production of one type of resource. Your job is for the most part decided by where you live. Where I am would be agricultural, even though most of the food produced would come from our area. Anyone caught taking food that was not given to them by the government would face severe punishment.

The greatest control however are the games. Each year a boy and a girl from each district (except the capital of course) is chosen via lottery for a fight to the death. All of which is broadcast to the districts and required viewing.

The heroine of the story is just trying to take care of her family. But by trying to do so is thrust into the games. That should be enough of a summary. Now to why I really think everyone should watch the movies or read the books.

Social Commentary

The government of Panem uses a variety of methods to keep the population under control. Here are some of those methods. 

Each of the outlying districts are kept in varying states of poverty.  Keeping people just barely making it keeps them working. If you cannot eat because you missed one day of work, you will work sick and you will work till you die.

By controlling all of the information a people receive you can shape most people's opinions to a point that you can predict how they will respond to every situation. Very few people naturally exercise critical thinking.

Many people will take what they get, complain about it but never really do anything about it.

There will always be some people who benefit from the suffering of others and they will never look at the injustice.

Some people are willing to risk everything for glory and fame.

Communication between the districts is limited to what the Capitol wants the people to see. Huge fences separate the districts and no travel is permitted unless sanctioned by the government. 

Fear is used to control the masses. Fear can destroy hope. Hope is dangerous if you are trying to dominate people. There is no quicker way to instill fear than through a person's children.

Lessons Taught in The Hunger Games

Skills and Knowledge Are Important

Katniss, the primary heroine' had become the primary provider for her family since the death of her father. How did she do this? By foraging and hunting. The book of course covers this in more depth than the movie. Katniss is named after an aquatic plant that has edible tubers. I have included a picture of the plant below.

One of the most powerful quotes in the first book for me was, 

I knelt down in the water, my fingers digging into the roots. Small, bluish tubers that don’t look like much but boiled or baked are as good as any potato. “Katniss,” I said aloud. It’s the plant I was named for. And I heard my father’s voice joking, “As long as you can find yourself, you’ll never starve.”

In the first part of the first book, time was spent showing just how much knowledge Katniss's father had imparted to her. She knew which plants could be eaten, how to catch fish with a net, how to rob nests of eggs, and how to kill small game. This was a really resourceful young lady and she was driven only by feeding her family. This is worthy of admiration from those of us who think that way, but not from the general public.

Primitive Skills are Good to Have

 The only people who have firearms or advanced weapons of any type are the government. Everything everyone does to provide for themselves is with very basic weaponry. Katniss is extremely good with a bow that she keeps hidden to keep the "Peacekeepers" from taking away from her. This skill proves invaluable when she is thrust into the Games.

I am a big fan of primitive weapons, weapons that can be made. This book series and the subsequent movies have caused a surge in interest in these type of weapons. Mostly bows because of the primary character, but swords, spears, ropes, and even a trident are mentioned individually.

Before the Games the contestants, as they are called, are allowed to gain knowledge that will help them in the terrain into which they will be thrust, things like camouflage, foraging, herbal medicine, primitive fire starting, and the like are taught. The contestants can choose to learn them or not, it is their choice. All of the survival skills that are mentioned are real as are all of the tools shown.

Every Show of Kindness is Rewarded in Some Way

During the Games, Katniss befriends a young girl from another district named Rue. They work together. Little Rue reminds her of her sister. When Rue dies, Katniss takes the time to give her a worthy memorial and salutes the family. This expression tenderness endears her in the hearts and minds of everyone in that district. That is saying something. Katniss is not a very likable person, she is strong and responsible but not very likable. If you did not understand her thought process you probably would not like her. But Rue had struck her heart.

I want to do something, right here, right now, to shame them, to make them accountable, to show the Capitol that whatever they do or force us to do that there is a part of every tribute they can't own. That Rue was more than a piece in their Games. And so am I.

A few steps into the woods grows a bank of wildflowers. Perhaps they are really weeds of some sort, but they have blossoms in beautiful shades of violet and yellow and white. I gather up an armful and come back to Rue's side. Slowly, one stem at a time. I decorate her body in the flowers. Covering the ugly wound. Wreathing her face. Weaving her hair with bright colors.

Being True to Yourself

All this time I have talked about the heroine, but there is also a hero in this story. His name is Peeta. He is much more likable than Katniss, he is also softer. He would have been considered middle class in his district. He was the son of a baker. He did not face starvation, but he did face the Games. I love this quote.

"I don't know how to say it exactly. Only…I want to die as myself. Does that make any sense?" he asks. I shake my head. How could he die as anyone but himself? "I don't want them to change me in there. Turn me into some kind of monster that I'm not." 

I bite my lip, feeling inferior. While I've been ruminating on the availability of trees, Peeta has been struggling with how to maintain his identity. His purity of self. "Do you mean you won't kill anyone?" I ask. 

"No, when the time comes, I'm sure I'll kill just like everybody else. I can't go down without a fight. Only I keep wishing I could think of a way to…to show the Capitol they don't own me. That I'm more than just a piece in their Games," says Peeta.

Now tell me that quote is not powerful. The will to maintain who you are even in the face of adversity even to the point of death if necessary. That is true bravery.

True Hope can Spring Up Anywhere

I will not go into any detail, but hope grows through all of the mess. People will come together to deal with a common foe. It has happened throughout history. Tyranny only lasts for so long.

Conclusion

I have heard some say that the books are about the empowered poor rising against the ruling class, I do not see it that way. With the exception of the military or Peacekeepers, the population of the Capitol are kept ignorant on purpose. They honestly do not know of the hardships in the other areas of Panem. They honestly think that competing in the Games is an honor for those who are chosen. I believe it is more about a people rising up against a dictatorial/communist government, trying to claim the freedom that is their God given right.

I watched the first movie before I read the books. I do not remember if my wife brought it in or if it was my daughter. When I watched the movie, I was angry. I can see a government doing exactly the type of things Panem did to control its citizens. There is a much deeper message.

There is a lot of violence. I would not suggest this for young children, but if you have children or grandchildren old enough for the theme, these books or even the movies can start some very deep conversations. Be ready for them. Allow the books to challenge you to learn new skills.

I am not telling you to go to the theaters. I am saying rent the movies or buy the books used or in digital versions. (Sorry movie guys, I am not your primary target audience)

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Getting Prepared for Beginners #11 Travel and Communication

Before we get started I really hope you are enjoying and learning from this series. I hope at the very least it has gotten you started thinking about being more prepared for the things that we are most likely to face. I always appreciate your feedback.

In this edition we will be covering travel and communication. So, something has happened. A tornado, flood, wildfire, hurricane, earthquake, or something. Something that given a little time things will get back to normal. You are alive and hopefully uninjured. You have your basic supplies ready. Now what?

Once something has happened or even started to happen a decision must be made. Are you going to shelter in place or evacuate? In most situations nearly all of us would prefer to shelter in place, but there are times that this is just not an option.

Travel

The reasons a person might want or even be required to evacuate ttheir homes are many and vary in severity. You could be required to evacuate your home because of a gas line leak, a semi truck wreck that is now spilling chemicals, plus all of the natural disasters that we have talked about. With so many reasons that could happen it is best to have a plan.

If you will look at the examples I have given you will see that zombies are not listed. These are things that happen somewhere everyday. If you have to flee your home, know in advance where you would go. Depending on the situation you might want to simply go to a hotel or spend time with family until the event is over. No matter what your choice,  everyone in the family needs to know what your plans would be. Directions and meeting places should always be understood.

We have a great example of the need for planned meeting places. If something were to occur we would most likely go to either my dad's or my wife's aunt's. Two different directions entirely. It needs to be understood by everyone where we will be going. It would not be good for my wife and I to go one way and our children to go another.

Even if we are all headed to the same location odds are high that we may be at different locations when such an event occurs. If my wife and I are both at work and the children are at school each of us will have to take a different path. From my work to my dad's is 22 miles. From the kids school it is 34 miles to my dad's. My wife's work is 43 miles from my dad's. If something were to happen we would all be traveling different paths to reach the same destination. At some point along the way we have a meeting place. This keeps us from going the entire way and then having to turn back in search of a member of our family.

Note: While writing this I realized an area in which I have fallen short on our  evacuation plan. Each vehicle should have maps with clear directions from all of the various places that person might be and have meeting places clearly marked. I will be fixing this for us this weekend.

Communication

Communication will be critical to ensure that every member of your family arrives safely at the same place. Problem is when you are desperately trying to get in touch with your loved ones so is everyone else in your area. This massive increase of traffic will quickly overwhelm communication lines.

This problem is not new. I remember the recorded message on the telephone "We're sorry all circuits are busy now.Please try your call again later". The same situation occurs now with our cellular phones.

There are several ways that you can try to stay in touch with family members. I am going to cover a few with the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Ham radio: Ham radio can have incredible range. It does not have to have a high cost of access is you are handy with electronics, but if you are not it can get a little pricey and quick.

Benefits: DC powered units are the norm so if the power goes out you are still able to communicate. Excellent long range capability, this means you can get news about what is going on from outside your general area.

Drawbacks: Unless in a real emergency you must have an FCC license to operate a ham radio. The units that have long range ability are not very portable. The portable units cannot pull long range.

CB Radio: also called citizen band. CB is not regulated so anyone can use it.

Benefits: Very portable. Low cost of entry. No need for large antenna. No need for license. Very easy to use.

Drawbacks: No privacy (there is little way to avoid someone listening in on conversations). Short range two miles is a really good reach. Some channels can be very congested.

Two Way Radios: You know the ones, they look like small walkie talkies and claim a range "up to 42 miles".

Benefits: small and very portable. If you get the rechargeable ones and you have an inverter you have unlimited power. Decent range of up to about 5 miles depending on terrain. Due to the fact that these have several channels and each channel has sub frequencies you can be fairly sure to have  a good level of privacy. I love these for hunting or large events where people could get separated. In fact the set above is on my want really bad list.

Drawbacks: not a long enough range for all of our needs. If someone has a scanner they might be able to listen into your conversation. Really that is about all I have negative to say about these radios.

All of the devices I mentioned above are backup systems. For most people the primary source of communication is their cellular or mobile phone. In our family we are no different. We did away with a land-line telephone long ago. But as I said before, just when communication is needed most is when everyone else is trying to get in touch with someone too. How do you use a cell phone to maximize the probability of keeping up with your family?

We have already covered how the circuits can get so jammed with traffic that getting a call through to someone is just a shot in the dark. I have heard that the cell service was locked up in a town after a major sporting event, just imagine how much more the call traffic would be in the event of a major storm.

Text Message: Everyone seems to be texting now a days. There is even a whole new language that has been developed by texters. But the truth is sending a text message takes up a lot less bandwidth than a call. Based on my research it takes 290 text messages to equal a 1 minute call. That dramatically increases the likelihood that your message will go through.

Email: An email takes up a little more bandwidth than a text message, but it has one major advantage. Any email that is composed goes into the outbox folder and just sits there until there is enough bandwidth available to transmit. This is a way to insure that your message gets sent. It may take some time, but your family will receive the information.

My List: Call first. If I am unable to get a call through after a couple of tries then text. If text fails a couple of times then email and wait 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes have passed, check to make sure the email has been moved to the sent folder. If the email is in the sent folder your family member will receive it when they have enough bandwidth to receive.

Like I said I really want the two way radios, but they are really more for communication within the less than 5 mile range. Have a predetermined channel and sub channel that your family will use. Actually have at least 3 and make sure you family knows what order to tune in which channel. Once you know your family is on the way you can keep checking with the two way so you know when they are close. 

I hope this has gotten you thinking about what you would do in the event that you couldn't go home. If you will start working on a plan with your family you will be helping to insure that all of the members of your family are safe and make it to where you are. I want you all to be able to realize your

Rural Dreams and Homestead Wishes

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More Posts in this series:

#1 Why Prepare

#2 The Preparedness Mindset

#3 Priorities List

#4 Getting to My Family

#5 The Backpack

#6 Food Storage

#7 Basic Energy

#8 Water
#9 Security
#10 Medical
#11 Travel and Communications
#12 Fuel Storage
#13 Keep It Quiet aka OPSEC
#14 Building Community and Helping Others
#15 Skill Development (Home)
#16 Don't Fear the Reaper

#17 A Case for Long-Term Preparedness

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Duct Tape 911 a book review X 2

A Book Review X 2

I love when my wife and I work together on anything. I especially like it when she embraces something that is important to me. When my book came in the mail she called me. I am sure she was wondering what it was. When I told her she was excited and told me she wanted to read it as well.

So you are going to get two reviews for the price of one. I believe in ladies first so with that.

Nicole RRT Review

The Duct Tape 911 book by Dr. James Hubbard is truly an amazing little book. With its easy to follow instructions and illustrations, I feel quite confident that even an older child could accomplish patching up someone, including themselves! For the most part all of the chapters are easily accessible though it would be neat to have them tabbed for quick reference.

I like how it’s the right size. It does not contain an excessive amount of information that you could get lost in. It’s simple in a way that is efficient just like the tape it talks about. Step by step instructions help make it fool proof, and anymore whether layman or professional can take something from it.

From accidents, to pesky blisters, and emergency situations, this book covers the basics that can really rescue you in a jam. It has very much broadened my knowledge of the vast uses of this little miracle adhesive. An example to point out is in Chapter 23-CPR Mouth Barrier .Being a Respiratory Therapist, I really was enthusiastic about this one! During CPR, Dr. Hubbard explains that you can use the tape to place over the victim’s mouth for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. It could save a life. I would like to add a warning that the victim may vomit, which could still seep through the opening.

I am convinced that this handbook should be in everyone’s home as well as Bug Out Bags, glove boxes, and even right there with your First-Aid kit. Oh and don’t forget the Duct Tape!

Gregg The Rural Economist Review

If you were to ask 100 "make do" engineers what their top five must have items are the three that would appear in every list would be bailing wire, WD40, and of course duct tape. Ode to Duct Tape, that fixer of all things, that miracle of modern science. It is a wonderful thing. It has been used in literally thousands of ways. From making prom dresses to covering a window that was shattered. Strong, really sticky, and water resistant (did you see when Mythbusters made a boat out of duct tape?)

Do you really need any more reasons to like duct tape? Well guess what? Dr Hubbard The Survival Doctor has several more reasons. This book is very well put together. All of the needed warnings and suggestions are given, each duct tape use is explained in a step by step fashion and very well illustrated.

I really enjoyed reading this book and now have some things to practice doing with duct tape. I want a roll not only at home, but I want to add a roll to my backpack, my workshop, and keep a roll in every vehicle. If you like to camp or hike, if you have children or are into preparedness, YOU NEED THIS BOOK. Now if you will excuse me I need to go buy some more duct tape.

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Wild Edibles #2 Wild Strawberry and Woodberry

Disclaimer: Some wild plants are not only edible but delicious. Other wild plants will kill you if you eat them. Be absolutely certain what a plant is before you eat it. Plant varieties differ from region to region. When in doubt consult a local expert.

Before we jump in I would just like to say I do not know if it is cool that I am doing a series that requires a disclaimer or not, but we have to be safe.

I am including both wild strawberry and woodberry in the same post because there is very precious little information available about woodberry. Woodberry, as I have always known it is called by several other names as well. Wood strawberry, snake berry, and Indian strawberry being the most common. I have not found where wild strawberry is called any thing else.

Both wild strawberry and woodberry are completely edible. Woodberry has absolutely no flavor, but hey it is calories if you need them. Wild strawberry has a very subtle flavor and some even compair it to the taste of watermelon. Both have vitamin C, minerals, and quite a bit of water in them. They can not only be used as a survival food, but in a pinch they can be used to help keep you hydrated.

The leaves of both wild strawberry and woodberry look very much like tame strawberry only much smaller. The leaves of woodberry tend to be a little more pointed as well. Below you can see a photo comparing tame strawberry leaves to woodberry leaves. As you can see there is a major difference.

The blooms of the woodberry are yellow while the blooms of the wild strawberry are white. They are of the same configuration. Both blooms have 5 petals and form a sort of star shape.

Woodberry produces fruit all summer long. I have read that wild strawberry does as well. The fruit can be eaten raw or used in cooking. I have always eaten them raw, but I have heard that cooking the berries actually enhances the flavor.

In the south woodberry can only grow where it has some shade. The further north you go you could see woodberry and wild strawberry in meadows and grassy areas. Both of these plants grow almost everywhere in the northern hemisphere. The only exceptions I can find are the extreme northeastern US and the rocky mountain regions. These plants are purported to grown even fairly high up in Canada.

The plants can be propagated by runners and by seed. The seed must go through a fermentation process similar to tomatoes, if the seed is not ingested by wildlife and distributed that way.

If you see these around your place and you are sure that is what they are give them a try and tell me what you think.



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Other Posts in this Series: #1 Wood Sorrel

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