Dressings and Bandages Bandages and dressings are both

Dressings and Bandages

Bandages and dressings are both used in wound management. A bandage is a piece of cloth or other material used to bind or wrap a diseased or injured part of the body.

Uses: Applying pressure to bleeding wounds. Covering wounds and burns. Provides support and immobilization for broken bones, strains and sprains.

Types of Bandages:

Triangular Bandages Can be used as a cold compress or for padding when they are made into a pad. When folded up they can be used to provide support or pressure. When unfolded they can be used as a support sling or cover bandage.

Ace Bandages Used to secure dressings in place or provide support, particularly in strains and sprains.

Tubular Bandages Larger ones are used to support joints or hold dressings in place Smaller tubular bandages are ideal for finger injuries.

General Principles: Work with the injured person, explaining what you are doing. Work in front of the injured person where possible and from the injured side if you can. Bandage firmly over bleeding and securely over broken bones, but not so tight as to compromise circulation below the site of the injury.

Be aware that most injuries swell—check regularly to ensure that the bandage is still comfortable. Also check that the bandage remains firmly secured, particularly if the injured person has to move, as movement can loosen the bandage. Secure bandages with tape, clips, a bow, or a square knot.

First Aid

Spiral Bandage Used to apply an elastic bandage to an arm or leg Spiral Reverse Bandage Used to wrap an extremity that has vary thickness. Provides a means to secure, smooth, even-fitting bandage on extremity. Recurrent Bandage Applied to hold pressure dressings in place over the tip end of a finger, toe, fist or on the head.

Figure-8 Bandage Used whenever a joint is included in wrapping. It protects dressings and keeps them in place, supports and limits the movement of the joint and promotes the venous blood return, which reduces swelling or edema. Arm Sling Patients who have an injury to the arm or shoulder often need to support the arm in an elevated position to avoid edema of the hand, pain, discomfort, and fatigue.

How to do an arm sling? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Put one end of the triangle over the shoulder on the uninjured side. Place the point(apex) of the triangle toward the elbow. Bring the other end over the injures arm and shoulder. Tie the two ends with a square knot. Fold the apex of the triangle neatly over the elbow toward the front. Check the circulation in the fingers frequently.