In medical field alcohol may be used for disenfecting the instruments but never for infection control or wound cleaning. Alcohol dilutes blood vessels therfore bleeding is increased. So are they a waste of space? I don't think so. They can be used as you mentioned for fire starting, plus when tending to the wound and latex gloves are not available you can wash your hands quickly and minimize risk of infection. Also wipes can be used to disenfect tools, needles and razor blades when you are ready to switch between the tasks. It's good to have them around.

Matt