Injury Care Techniques Lesson 1: Dressing and Bandages

Lesson 1– Dressings A dressing is a sterile covering for a wound or injury. Dressings are used to: stop bleeding prevent infection absorb secretions treat pain Gauze pads are the most common materials used for dressings. However, in an emergency situation, any clean cloth can be used. Dressings A dressing is a sterile covering for a wound or injury. Dressings are used to stop bleeding, prevent infection, absorb secretions, and to treat pain. Gauze pads are the most common materials used for dressings. However, in an emergency situation, any clean cloth can be used. Avoid using any materials that have loose fibers, which can infect the wound or injury. Dressings can be held in place with tape or a bandage.

Lesson 1– Bandages A bandage is material used to secure dressings and splints. Tight enough to control bleeding and to hold dressings, but do not interrupt blood circulation Three popular types of bandages are: Triangular Roller gauze Elastic Bandages A bandage is material used to secure dressings and splints. Bandages should be tight enough to control bleeding and to hold a dressing in place. However, they should not interrupt blood circulation. The type of bandage used for an injury depends both on the type of injury and the body part affected by the injury. Three popular types of bandages are triangular, roller gauze, and elastic.

Lesson 1– Triangular Bandages The triangular bandage is a triangular shape of cloth. It is often used for: Head and scalp injuries To create slings for shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand injuries Triangular bandages can also be folded into cravats, which is a long strip of bandage folded to the proper width according to the injury. Triangular Bandages As its name suggests, the triangular bandage is a triangular shape of cloth. It is often used for head and scalp injuries. They are also used to create slings for shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand injuries. Triangular bandages can also be folded into cravats, which is a long strip of bandage folded to the proper width according to the injury. The cravat can also be used on head injuries including injuries to eyes and ears. Cravats can also be used to create circular bandages around the limbs and torso. A cravat bandage should never be used around the neck because it could close the patient’s airway.

Lesson 1– Elastic and Roller Gauze Bandages Secure dressings and support injured areas. Elastic bandages stretch and mold to the body. Elasticity makes it easy to wrap an injury too tightly. Elastic and Roller Gauze Bandages Elastic and roller gauze bandages come in a variety of widths. They are used to secure dressings and to support injured areas. They can be used on just about any part of the body. Elastic bandages have the advantage of stretching and molding to the body part. However, elastic bandages can also pose a disadvantage because their elasticity makes it easy to wrap an injury too tightly. First aid providers must be careful not to stretch elastic bandages as they are wrapping an injury. Particularly when wrapping the foot or ankle, health care workers must be careful that there are no wrinkles in the bandage. Wrinkles in the bandage wrap can cause skin irritation.