It is essential to protect your hands whether you are working on a project, spending time in cold weather or rendering first aid to a patient. Gloves do not get a lot of attention in terms of survival preparedness, but they represent vital items that should be kept on hand at all times. This includes the home, garage, vehicle, bug-out-bags and in first aid kits. Let’s take a closer look at their importance and why you will want to include them on your checklist sooner rather than later.
Work Gloves
Try starting a fire by spinning wood or cutting logs with an ax, and you will quickly appreciate the value of a good pair of work gloves. Even the hardest and most calloused hands can blister, chafe and have torn skin as the result of common projects. Good work gloves also insulate against heat which is an asset when making vehicle repairs, welding or fixing plumbing problems. Remember that blisters and cuts can be minor problems under normal circumstances, but they can turn into a serious liability when you depend on them for survival. Gloves will go a long way to keep your hands in good shape and give you the ability to get what you need to get done.
Thermal Gloves
These are essential when encountering any cold weather situation, and this is true whether you are bugging-out or sheltering in place. Fingers are among the first parts of the body to succumb to frostbite, and permanent damage can begin to occur in as little as a few minutes after exposure to the elements. It is absolutely imperative that you protect your hands and fingers at all costs. This is not only because you don’t want to lose them due to frostbite, but you will need the full use of your hands to perform basic tasks that are essential to your immediate survival if you are trapped in the cold.
Cleaning Gloves
It is a good idea to wear rubber gloves when handling any chemicals or cleaning products in order to protect your skin. Some chemicals do minor damage to hands upon exposure, and it is not that difficult to get lulled into complacency when performing many household chores without gloves. However, if you are handling harsher chemicals, solvents and corrosive products, you need to have a pair handy to protect your hands and skin from serious damage. Remember that remedies and treatment for these types of injuries may not be available during a crisis, and wearing gloves is your first and best line of defense.
Surgical Gloves
One of the cardinal rules associated with first aid is to protect yourself before you help anyone else. This means putting on surgical gloves that will serve as a barrier between you and the bodily fluids of the patient. Countless diseases can be transmitted simply upon touch, especially if you have any open sores, scratches, cuts or minute tears in the skin. Surgical gloves are designed with material that is woven together to the degree where most pathogens can not penetrate and come into contact with the skin. Surgical gloves also protect the patient from infection and contamination from your hands and skin as well.
These are just a few examples of the many practical reasons to keep an ample supply of gloves on hand. Remember to get pairs of each of the ones listed above so that all of your bases are covered if and when disaster strikes. Never underestimate the importance of gloves, and make obtaining them a priority today. Your life or the life of someone else may depend on it.
