Killing germs with alcohol?

[Chicago Jake]

We've all seen it in the movies: the cowboy out on the range, or the soldier in battle, who pours a little whiskey on the bullet hole before the doc pulls it out with tongs. But does that really do you any good?

Interesting Straight Dope article based on some actual experiments:

www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2978/can-liquor-be-used-as-an-emergency-antiseptic

I wasn't sure if this should go under Movies (since that's where the trope usually appears), the Food and Drink section, or what. So I stuck it in General.......Jake

[Ardbeg... innit]

This science need replication to make sure the results hold up... looks like a good subject for meeting new people at Hedo next year.

[Chicago Jake]

Good point. The Straight Dope researchers didn't get around to testing the antiseptic properties of a Flaming Bob Marley.