The Most Ridiculous Temporary Fixes Patients Have Tried in the Emergency Room

As an emergency room physician or nurse, you encounter a wide range of situations. Among them, some patients come in with truly bizarre makeshift solutions they've attempted for various injuries. These impromptu remedies, while creative, are often misguided and can lead to further complications. This article delves into the most common and ridiculous temporary fixes patients have attempted, drawing from real-life experiences in the emergency room.

The Female Eyebrow Setback

One common scenario involves lacerations. The most frequently used unconventional materials for closing wounds include copper wire, staples from a shop staple gun, and various types of glue. Copper wire, used as suture material, is perhaps the most bizarre. While I have a staple gun in the ER for sterile use, patients will sometimes bring in staples from a regular stapler from a nearby stationery store. Both these methods are dangerously unsterile and far from ideal for medical purposes. Additionally, superglue, though it draws a lot of attention on the internet, is often used as a makeshift adhesive for skin lacerations. Anyone who has ever tried Elmer's glue on anything knows how sticky it can be, and unfortunately, it’s far from a clean solution for medical wounds.

The “TV-Inspired” Cauterization

Patients have also resorted to more dramatic, and equally ineffective, methods. One instance that stands out involved a patient attempting to cauterize a wound with gunpowder, likely inspired by a fictional TV show. Here, the patient attempted to mimic the scene where a character cauterizes a cut to stop the bleeding. While this method may seem intuitive to those who have watched too much of a particular genre of TV, it is anything but practical. The process not only fails to properly treat the wound but also leaves behind a significant mess that can complicate the healing process.

The Soldering Iron Honeymoon

A more alarming and painful method is the use of a soldering iron to stop bleeding, often referred to as a DIY cauterization. In one instance, a patient attempted this method, thinking it would quickly stop the bleeding while also eliminating the need for a trip to the ER. The result was not only unsuccessful in stopping the bleeding but also caused a second-degree burn. The tissue damage from the soldering iron was extensive and required immediate medical attention, turning this impromptu remedy into a painful and costly mistake.

Conclusion: Why DIY Fixes Are Not the Solution

These examples highlight the importance of professional medical care in emergencies. While it’s human nature to want a quick fix, unsterile and painful methods can exacerbate injuries and even lead to infections. It is crucial that individuals seek professional help for proper wound care and treatment. ER staff is trained to assess and treat injuries appropriately, ensuring a safer and more effective healing process.

Additional Tips for Proper Wound Care

Here are some tips for those in need of immediate wound care: Keep the wound clean to prevent infection. Use sterile materials for covering wounds when possible. Seek medical attention for any bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying direct pressure for several minutes. Consult a professional if you’re unsure about the severity of the wound.