Patrick,

I have heard that Superglue (aswell as gladwrap/cling film) was invented by the American military for patching up wounds in the Vietnam war! Not sure of accuracy, but it sounds good.

I'm not sure about cyanide in superglue (but I will try to find out), but I have used regular DIY superglue on myself quite a few times, and I'm still in one piece (physically at least!). It seals wounds very quickly and when your skin starts to repair itself the glue will flake off. I don't want to be reponsible for anyone getting poisoned, but if I had a gaping cut then I would take the risk. I'm not sure where to find medical grade glue (if such a thing exsits), I have never heard of it.

As for instructions for use and limitations: I only use it as temporary, emergency stitching when I have no other choice. I just literally stick the skin together as if I was gluing a cardboard box.

If your are in any doubt about using Superglue (bearing in mind that it is not intended for these purposes) then don't use it, or ask a doctor first. All I can say is that I have seen it used and used it myself for emergancy bodily repair and it seems to work quite well. It's still handy to have in your bike kit anyway - you never know what else may need sticking back together.

I also agree with Tim about gaffer tape and cable ties. I didn't mention them earlier because they are not specifically part of my medi kit, but I always have some in my general kit. My dad always used to say "with gaffer tape and string you can fix anything"!

There are two things we used to teach new recruits, and I still use them every day, they are worth bearing in mind for any situation:

1/ Stay calm - never let panic take over
2/ Improvise, adapt, overcome - you'll be surprised how easy you can solve problems if you think outside the box

Butch

__________________
BD.