Bandages are a must in a first aid kit. They are a go-to when you encounter an injury. Wounds such as cuts, animal bites, fractures, sprains and strains heal better when they are bandaged. Wondering why? They reduce swelling, hold bandages, control bleeding, restrict movement and provide support to muscles, bones and joints. But did you know that bandages are designed for injuries? A report from St. John Ambulance emphasizes the use of three different types of dressings: roll, tubular, and triangular dressings.
roll bandages
The roll wraps are used to support injured limbs, reduce swelling, keep a bandage in place and apply subtle pressure to the wounds.
Tubular Bandages
These are used to support injured joints and hold bandages on fingers or toes. The Tubular bandages have two variants, gauze and elastic. The gauze bandage fixes bandages on toes and fingers. It is applied to the injury with a special applicator. Meanwhile, the elastic tubular bandages support injured joints such as the elbow or knee.
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Triangular Bandages
Triangular bandages can be used as slings to support wrist, arm or shoulder injuries. You also have the option to fold them up and use them on larger wounds.
Check out the steps to properly apply a bandage to an injured person:
Step 1: Reassure the injured person and explain what you are doing.
Step 2: Help them to sit comfortably and support the limb or injured part of the body before applying the bandage.
Step 3: Start connecting the front and the injured side. Make sure to apply the bandage firmly, but don’t make it too tight or else blood circulation to the injured area will be restricted. Leave fingers and toes free to check circulation.
Step 4: Use spiral turns as you wrap the bandage around the limb. Work from the inside to the outside of the limb. Use pins or tape to fasten or safely store roll wraps.
Step 5: Use a reef knot to tie a triangular bandage.
Step 6: Check circulation after tying a bandage. How? Press the injured person’s toe or finger for five seconds until it turns pale. If the color doesn’t come back after two seconds, the bandage is too tight, so you need to replace it. Do this every 10 minutes to ensure that you have not stopped blood circulation in the affected area.
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