That is the issue RosinBag, watching Cam Hanes stitch himself on youtube certainly doesn't teach a backcountry hunter to suture themselves up. Suturing isn't a skill to learn from books, youtube or watching Rambo. Suppose a hunter cuts the palm of their hand and from seeing the clip, decide to put a few stitches in, next thing, being the palm of their hand, they have dove a needle through a tendon, and end up rolling around on the ground in agony. Medical training, no matter how minor is best left to the experts to do, sewing up a wound for the uninitiated isn't as simple as sewing up the latest pouch for the latest pack on the market.
Cam Hanes At Home Stitches
- Thread starter reedjj
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That is the issue RosinBag, watching Cam Hanes stitch himself on youtube certainly doesn't teach a backcountry hunter to suture themselves up. Suturing isn't a skill to learn from books, youtube or watching Rambo. Suppose a hunter cuts the palm of their hand and from seeing the clip, decide to put a few stitches in, next thing, being the palm of their hand, they have dove a needle through a tendon, and end up rolling around on the ground in agony. Medical training, no matter how minor is best left to the experts to do, sewing up a wound for the uninitiated isn't as simple as sewing up the latest pouch for the latest pack on the market.
Jason Snyder
WKR
And how in the world are folks with this new found knowledge going to keep their suture kits sterile? What abou the suture itself? I personally see this as really bad advice and I'm not afraid to say so. I've been watching Cam's facebook page out of curiousity to follow the healing process (or lack thereof). I think he's playing with fire here, I sincerely hope I'm wrong.
This is no hatred of Cameron, just the opinion that he is being rather foolish and passing along poor advice.
This is no hatred of Cameron, just the opinion that he is being rather foolish and passing along poor advice.
I am not condoning it as what to do. It just gets old to read all the criticizing, negativity, etc. surrounding almost anything he puts out. Just gets old.
90% of the critics are just jealous and the other 10% may really have a good valid argument, but the people reading it can't tell who is who as your bio or expertise is unknown.
Reality is if life and death I would try and suture myself up with a rusty nail and bailing wire if I thought it would help.
90% of the critics are just jealous and the other 10% may really have a good valid argument, but the people reading it can't tell who is who as your bio or expertise is unknown.
Reality is if life and death I would try and suture myself up with a rusty nail and bailing wire if I thought it would help.
Jason Snyder
WKR
Rosin,
I agree to hate on him just to hate is silly. The guy's dedication is amazing, and he has some freakish genetics to boot. I have my own opinions on the persona that he has cultivated, but no one really cares. It works for him, and he does inspire others to better themselves.
I am trained in combat first aid. I have veterinary surgical experience. I am not a doctor. Mike7 is welcome to correct me if he thinks differently, but honestly I think two of the most important skills you can have for true life saving situations in the backcountry is knowledge of how and when to use a tourniquet, and CPR.
I can't think of any reason why I would ever put in sutures on myself or anyone else.
I agree to hate on him just to hate is silly. The guy's dedication is amazing, and he has some freakish genetics to boot. I have my own opinions on the persona that he has cultivated, but no one really cares. It works for him, and he does inspire others to better themselves.
I am trained in combat first aid. I have veterinary surgical experience. I am not a doctor. Mike7 is welcome to correct me if he thinks differently, but honestly I think two of the most important skills you can have for true life saving situations in the backcountry is knowledge of how and when to use a tourniquet, and CPR.
I can't think of any reason why I would ever put in sutures on myself or anyone else.
Slim Jim
WKR
A lot of people are taking the advise all wrong. He's just showing that he will do whatever it takes to keep going. He put sutures in because he needs to run, hike and all other training on a daily basis and nothing is going to stop him from doing this. Glue, tape, butterfly, etc. will all work but probably not hold up well for all of the training that he needs to do. Kudos to Cameron for having the heart and determination.
RosinBag, I agree completely with the criticising comments, and it is not just of CH, we constantly read it on every forum, hunters criticising other hunters, you should try and read an Australian bowhunting forum, it is rather sad really.
I would have to agree with Jason's comments pretty much.
A few years ago I had my eldest lad and his mate away deer hunting for a few days and badly sliced a finger on some iron at 9 0'clock at night. Before I even looked at it I knew it was a suture job, thing was, I had no idea where the nearest medical facility was that would be open at that time of night. The 2 boys were already in bed and I needed to keep them calm. My eldest was about 13-14 at the time and through practical experience with our hunting dogs he handled the situation very well. I am experienced in suturing, with similar quals as Jason has mentioned, so yes, I did consider stitching the wound, and then, with shock and pain setting in, I thought, 'don't be crazy', so my boy bandaged to stem blood flow and then wrapped copious amounts of electrical tape around the wound dressing. Fortunately we found a hospital after driving down out of the mountains, and there was still a doctor there at 2300 hrs, and the job was handled with precision by a medical expert, and the best bit, under anaesthetic.
I think anyone that has caped out and butchered any amount of animals will agree, your hands and fingers are susceptible, and I bet they have all seen their fair share of cuts in this area.
I would have to agree with Jason's comments pretty much.
A few years ago I had my eldest lad and his mate away deer hunting for a few days and badly sliced a finger on some iron at 9 0'clock at night. Before I even looked at it I knew it was a suture job, thing was, I had no idea where the nearest medical facility was that would be open at that time of night. The 2 boys were already in bed and I needed to keep them calm. My eldest was about 13-14 at the time and through practical experience with our hunting dogs he handled the situation very well. I am experienced in suturing, with similar quals as Jason has mentioned, so yes, I did consider stitching the wound, and then, with shock and pain setting in, I thought, 'don't be crazy', so my boy bandaged to stem blood flow and then wrapped copious amounts of electrical tape around the wound dressing. Fortunately we found a hospital after driving down out of the mountains, and there was still a doctor there at 2300 hrs, and the job was handled with precision by a medical expert, and the best bit, under anaesthetic.
I think anyone that has caped out and butchered any amount of animals will agree, your hands and fingers are susceptible, and I bet they have all seen their fair share of cuts in this area.
Jason Snyder
WKR
A serious infection will put a serious crimp in his training.
Kevin Root
WKR
Perhaps I'm not seeing some of what others are seeing in this thread. I watched Cameron's video post again to see what I missed the first time. I think I'm seeing it just differently than others perhaps having read all his books and followed him in his other media.
Cameron says in the video he's not a doctor, and that this wound most likely would have healed on its own without adding stitches and by using a different dressing application and resting. What I don't think some folks understand about the guy is that he "TRIES" to push his body to its limits and pushes it past its limits and to its breaking point to prepare himself for the backcountry. Right, wrong, unsafe or unwise it's what he does and how he wants to live. Sure there is a chance it might get infected and when he is hunting some other life threating thing could also happen. Being in the backcountry has its share of inherent risks. It might be less life threating if he stayed home on the couch and rested but that's not him and I admire and respect that about the guy.
I just think Cameron is not only a good hunter and a good athlete but more importantly to me and for our hunting heritage he is a inspiration and he is most gifted in encouragement and trying to encourage others to succeed.
Ok, rant over. I just think well of the guy and wish him success.
Cameron says in the video he's not a doctor, and that this wound most likely would have healed on its own without adding stitches and by using a different dressing application and resting. What I don't think some folks understand about the guy is that he "TRIES" to push his body to its limits and pushes it past its limits and to its breaking point to prepare himself for the backcountry. Right, wrong, unsafe or unwise it's what he does and how he wants to live. Sure there is a chance it might get infected and when he is hunting some other life threating thing could also happen. Being in the backcountry has its share of inherent risks. It might be less life threating if he stayed home on the couch and rested but that's not him and I admire and respect that about the guy.
I just think Cameron is not only a good hunter and a good athlete but more importantly to me and for our hunting heritage he is a inspiration and he is most gifted in encouragement and trying to encourage others to succeed.
Ok, rant over. I just think well of the guy and wish him success.
Last edited:
chiefhoyt
FNG
Never met the man, but I think he is great for bowhunting. The idea of being an athletic bowhunter and in supreme shape pumps me up each and every day when I train and shoot. He is so passionate about bowhunting its contagious and I enjoy reading pretty much anything cameron hanes!
Mike7
WKR
I will give first aid pointers to the best of my ability when things come up. Not sure I want to be responsible for a first aid blog or thread though...this hunting/backcountry stuff is my getaway from work also! 
The important thing about first aid is usually the knowledge you have more often than the kit. I carry a very small first aid kit which is tailored to dealing with serious things and has virtually nothing that you will find in a regular kit from REI. I consider some preventative toiletries and water treatment as more important first aid (e.g. lip balm, sun protection hat, blister lube, tick tweezers on the 1 1/2 oz Leatherman, water filter or tablets, etc.). Sometimes people can do more harm than good by suturing closed dirty wounds or wounds directly over exposed bone for instance, or wounds that have been open too long before receiving care. Also, there is some art component to medicine where the general rules become more blurry. For instance, wounds on the face and scalp and in a young healthy person, which don't go beyond the fatty layer, can often be sutured successfully as a primary repair safely long after 6 hours has passed.
I am often hesitant to give people specific medical information frequently, because every situation is different, and sometimes this means only giving enough information to be dangerous over the phone or internet. I have had to take care of some fairly large wounds in the field for a time (esp. 2nd degree burns...ugh) having been with the Marines/Navy, but would rather not have done so in these more austere situations/locations had there been a choice. So, rather than give specific information for every situation, I feel like it may be more helpful to tell you what I would do in general and why if you're interested. I am always open to learning new things as well.
Generally, I do not bring sutures and would not recommend bringing sutures on a typical backcountry hunt...unless you are packing in by horse and providing the medical coverage for a larger group for an extended wilderness stay. I do not bring Quickclot type preps and so of course wouldn't recommend these either.
Also, in response to one of the comments above,generally if you are doing CPR on a backcountry hunt, you are screwed. I suppose, if someone falls off a ledge or into a river and quits breathing, needing a couple of rescue breaths followed by some brief chest compressions and warming, or gets hit by lightening, then it could come in handy, but this would be a rare situation. In situations such as these, all you can do is help the person though even if your CPR skills are a bit rusty or nonexistent...in an emergency you can't make them any worse by trying to help them breath or by stopping bleeding or by keeping them warm and comfortable. Just don't move someone with a suspected serious neck injury if at all possible.
The important thing about first aid is usually the knowledge you have more often than the kit. I carry a very small first aid kit which is tailored to dealing with serious things and has virtually nothing that you will find in a regular kit from REI. I consider some preventative toiletries and water treatment as more important first aid (e.g. lip balm, sun protection hat, blister lube, tick tweezers on the 1 1/2 oz Leatherman, water filter or tablets, etc.). Sometimes people can do more harm than good by suturing closed dirty wounds or wounds directly over exposed bone for instance, or wounds that have been open too long before receiving care. Also, there is some art component to medicine where the general rules become more blurry. For instance, wounds on the face and scalp and in a young healthy person, which don't go beyond the fatty layer, can often be sutured successfully as a primary repair safely long after 6 hours has passed.
I am often hesitant to give people specific medical information frequently, because every situation is different, and sometimes this means only giving enough information to be dangerous over the phone or internet. I have had to take care of some fairly large wounds in the field for a time (esp. 2nd degree burns...ugh) having been with the Marines/Navy, but would rather not have done so in these more austere situations/locations had there been a choice. So, rather than give specific information for every situation, I feel like it may be more helpful to tell you what I would do in general and why if you're interested. I am always open to learning new things as well.
Generally, I do not bring sutures and would not recommend bringing sutures on a typical backcountry hunt...unless you are packing in by horse and providing the medical coverage for a larger group for an extended wilderness stay. I do not bring Quickclot type preps and so of course wouldn't recommend these either.
Also, in response to one of the comments above,generally if you are doing CPR on a backcountry hunt, you are screwed. I suppose, if someone falls off a ledge or into a river and quits breathing, needing a couple of rescue breaths followed by some brief chest compressions and warming, or gets hit by lightening, then it could come in handy, but this would be a rare situation. In situations such as these, all you can do is help the person though even if your CPR skills are a bit rusty or nonexistent...in an emergency you can't make them any worse by trying to help them breath or by stopping bleeding or by keeping them warm and comfortable. Just don't move someone with a suspected serious neck injury if at all possible.
keep
Lil-Rokslider
Man that's more than fair enough. I wasn't thinking and didn't mean to put you in that spot of colliding scenes. My badI will give first aid pointers to the best of my ability when things come up. Not sure I want to be responsible for a first aid blog or thread though...this hunting/backcountry stuff is my getaway from work also!
Mike7
WKR
Keep, no problem. Hopefully I can add a little something and be helpful, but I'm just cautious not to obligate myself too much. My wife says that is a problem I have had...and it is true, before you know it I find myself doing 25 Boy Scout physicals at a local church instead of watching my kid's soccer game.
keep
Lil-Rokslider
Fully understand. I've done the same with kid archery shoots, RMEF committee meetings and a few other orgs. This year I'm slowing up a bit and spend some time watching the boy play hockey and daughter play volleyball
Ryan pulled a tick off my butt crack on the bear hunt....
He wanted to video the extraction, but I wasn't ready for that type of fame!
He wanted to video the extraction, but I wasn't ready for that type of fame!
No, I said TICK!
Exactly!
Slim Jim
WKR
NICE! Hahaha
Mike7
WKR
Funny stuff. What a missed teaching opportunity though Ryan. We could all have first critiqued your removal technique (tweezer, no tweezers, hands, no hands, etc.) and then later watched video updates to see if Aron's "affected part" developed a tick related rash.
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