The only doctor I've actually seen publicly advocating the use of sutures in the wilderness also happens to be the medical director of our mountain rescue group, and our new medical protocols do not include the ability to suture wounds in the field. Now, granted, if we're doing a rescue chances are good our patient needing sutures is less than 48 hours from medical care (probably less than 24 or even 12 in this day and age), but none the less...

I think perhaps Brumfield is in a rather unusual position traveling in a country where definitive medical care is quite lacking, and he may be the only person for miles around who has the materials and ability to suture... and I can't imagine a villager making a long trip to a village with a clinic just for sutures...

I'm curious Brum, what is your medical background/training? My dream is to be a traveling medic (in warm climates) after I get my PA degree.

MNS