Use of tissue glue in field situations

Tissue glues are in widespread use in Accident & Emergency departments, and are simple to use. Results of closure of uncomplicated wounds using glue are comparable to traditional methods such as suture, 'sterile strips'. There are certain times in the field situation where evacuation of a casualty with a simple laceration could be impossible. These circumstances could be suitable for an individual suitably trained to effect wound closure using a tissue glue. This study simply set out to establish whether it was possible to train an infantry soldier how and when to close a wound using a tissue glue. A short period of instruction was followed by a practical session using wound simulators. It was found that the theoretical concepts and practical skills required to successfully glue a simulated wound were readily acquired by infantry soldiers, irrespective of their previous level of first aid training. The authors suggest that this concept should be pursued with the aim of field trials of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives being carried out.