Wound Bandaging

Cognitive Content – WB

Skill Title :

Wound Bandaging 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

  • Introduction to bandaging
  • Equipment for bandaging
  • Simulators for bandaging
  • Procedure for bandaging

INTRODUCTION 

It is a process of covering particular wound or injured part using the appropriate bandage.

Purpose of bandaging:

  • Bandages are used to hold dressing in place.
  • Apply pressure to a part.
  • Immobilize a part.
  • Obliterate cavities.
  • Support an injured area.
  • Check hemorrhage.

TYPES OF BANDAGING:

  • Gauze bandage (common gauze roller bandage)
  • Adhesive bandage
  • Liquid bandage
  • Compression bandage.
  • Triangular bandage.
  • Tube bandage.
  • Kirigami bandage.

EQUIPMENT’S USED :

  • Bandages: These are strips of cloth or other material used to wrap around wound. They come in various types including:
  1. Gauze bandages : Made from woven cotton, these are highly absorbent and allow air circulation.
  2. Elastic bandages : These are stretchable and provide compression and support, commonly used for sprains and strains.
  3. Adhesive bandages (Plasters) : These are strips of fabric with an adhesive backing, often used for small cuts and scrapes.
  • Adhesive Tape : Used to secure dressings and bandages in place. It comes in various widths and types such as paper tape, cloth tape, and waterproof tape.
  • Scissors : Used to cut bandages and dressings to required size. It’s essential to have blunt-tipped scissors to avoid accidental injury.
  • Sterile Dressings : These are used to cover wounds before applying a bandages. They can be non-adherent, allowing for easy removal without sticking to the wound.
  • Antiseptic Wipes : Used to clean the wound before bandaging to prevent infection.
  • Cotton wool or gauze pads: These are placed directly on the wound before applying the bandage to absorb blood and other fluids.
  • Disposable gloves: Worn by the person administering first aid to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of infection.
  • Tourniquet: In cases of severe bleeding, a tourniquet may be used to apply pressure to a limb to stop bleeding temporarily. However, tourniquets should only be used as a last resort and under proper training.
  • Hemostatic agents: In some cases of severe bleeding, hemostatic agents may be used to help control bleeding before bandaging.

SIMULATORS :

PROCEDURE for BANDAGNG:

Dress the wound.

  • Put on gloves or use other protection to prevent contact with the victim’s blood.
  • Clean the wound with mild soap and water.
  • Apply a small layer of topical antibiotic if desired.
  • Place a clean dressing over the entire wound. Gauze dressings let in air for faster healing. Nonstick dressings have a special surface that won’t cling to the wound.
  • If blood soaks through the dressing, place another dressing over the first one.

              

Cover the bandage

  • Wrap roller gauze or cloth strips over the dressing and around the wound several times.
  • Extend the bandage at least an inch beyond both sides of the dressing.
  • Don’t wrap the bandage so tight that it interferes with blood flow to healthy tissue.

Secure the bandage

  • Tie or tape the bandage in place.
  • Don’t secure the bandage so tight that fingers or toes become pale or blue.

Check circulation

  • Check circulation in the area below the bandage after several minutes and again after several hours. If circulation is poor, the skin may look pale or blue or feel cold. Signs of poor circulation also include numbness and tingling.
  • If circulation is reduced, loosen the bandage right away. If symptoms continue, get medical care.

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