First Aid Dressing and Bandages

Dressing and Bandages

• Dressing: A sterile cloth covering a wound to prevent infection and stop bleeding.

• Dressing Application Techniques:

  • Wash hands and wear gloves.
  • Unwrap dressing close to wound, avoid touching wound.
  • If dressing slips, discard and use a fresh one.
  • Place dressing over wound, extending at least 1 inch beyond edges.
  • Cover exposed body tissue/organs with a dressing that sticks.
  • Secure dressing with bandage or adhesive tape.

• Cold Compress: Reduces swelling and pain, often for sprains/strains. Cold packs can be used.

• Hot Compress: Increases blood circulation.

• Alternate use of Cold and Hot Compress: For contusions (bruises).

• Bandages: Used to apply pressure to bleeding, cover wounds/burns, and support broken bones/sprains.

• Types of Bandages:

  • Triangular: Can be used as a cold compress, padding, support, or sling.
  • Ace: Secures dressings.
  • Tubular: Supports joints or holds dressings in place, smaller for finger injuries.

• Bandaging Phases:

  • Open phase: Used for wounds on top/back of head, chest, back, hand, foot, and as arm slings.
  • Cravat phase: Used for wounds needing extra support, (shoulder, arm, leg, elbow). Narrower cravats give more pressure.

• Bandaging Techniques:

  • Use square knots.
  • Maintain sterile cloth to prevent infection.
  • Keep ends of bandages.
  • Bandage firmly over bleeding and broken bones, but not tightly to avoid cutting off blood circulation.
  • Use natural hollows for bandages around knees, ankles, neck, and back.
  • Secure bandages with tape, clips, or knots. Avoid skin contact with bandages.

Wounds

• Wound: A break in body tissue continuity.
  • Can be closed (no skin break) or open.
  • Called hematoma or contusions if closed.
• RICE Method for Wound Management:
  • Rest: Injured part.
  • Ice: Application.
  • Compression: Applying pressure.
  • Elevation: Raising the injured area.

Carrying and Transporting an Injured Person

• Transport Methods (Various):

  • Lover's Carry
  • Shoulder Drag
  • Fireman's Carry
  • Fireman's Drag/Tied-Hands Crawl
  • Blanket Drag
  • Pack Strap Carry
  • Chair Carry
  • Two-person Arm Carry
  • Hammock Carry
  • Bearer Alongside

• One-Person Transport:

  • Fireman's Carry: Light/smaller victims
  • Piggyback: Conscious victims.
  • Pack Strap Carry: Smaller victims.
  • Shoulder Drag: Smooth surfaces, short distances.
  • Fireman's Drag/Tied-Hands Crawl: Crawling under low structures.
  • Blanket Drag: Seriously injured victims who should not be lifted.

• Two-Person Transport:

  • Chair or Seat Carry: Chair available.

• Three or More Person Transport:

  • Hammock Carry: Three or more rescuers.
  • Bearer Alongside: Uninjured side of person

Test your knowledge on the application of dressings and bandages. This quiz covers essential techniques for wound care, the use of compresses, and different types of bandages. Perfect for anyone interested in first aid and emergency care.