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.

Triangular BandagesCan 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 placeor provide support, particularlyin 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.

Spiral BandageUsed to apply an elastic bandage to an arm or leg

Spiral Reverse BandageUsed to wrap an extremity that has vary thickness.Provides a means to secure, smooth, even-fitting

bandage on extremity.

Recurrent BandageApplied to hold pressure dressings in place over

the tip end of a finger, toe, fist or on the head.

Figure-8 BandageUsed 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 SlingPatients 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. Put one end of the triangle over the shoulder

on the uninjured side.2. Place the point(apex) of the triangle toward

the elbow.3. Bring the other end over the injures arm and

shoulder.4. Tie the two ends with a square knot.5. Fold the apex of the triangle neatly over the

elbow toward the front.6. Check the circulation in the fingers frequently.