Types of bandages:

· Crepe bandages – used for sprains, fractures & pressure bandage

· Conforming bandages – used for holding dressings in place.

 

How to use a roller bandage:

ü With the tail of the bandage, place it over the limb and roll up and continue to unwind the bandage over the limb

ü Overlap the bandage each time

ü Secure the bandage end with tape or tuck the end into the bandage

ü Check the colour of the skin after bandaging.  Loosen bandage if discolouration has occurred or the casualty complains of increased pain because of the bandage

ü When applying the bandage, ask the casualty if the bandage is too tight.  Check the extremities for colour & warmth

 

How to fold a triangular bandage:

Triangular bandages are used for slings, pads or bandaging.

• Fold the triangular bandage in half, and this makes a broad fold bandage.
• Fold the triangular bandage in half again and this is called a narrow fold bandage.

 

Slings are used for:

· Supporting an injured arm or wrist

· Immobilising fractures

· Elevating to control external bleeding

 

What can be used as a sling?

· Shirts

· Jumper

· Belts

· Rope

· Material

 

How to apply an Upper Arm sling:

This sling is used for injuries to the upper arm, including the collarbone, shoulder or ribs, add an additional narrow bandage

ü Position the arm across the body with the hand near the opposite shoulder

ü Place the triangular bandage under the arm with the apex at the elbow

 

Fold the lower half of the bandage over the arm

 Twist the bandage firmly at the elbow and bring the twisted bandage around the back

 Twist the bandage around the hand and over the uninjured shoulder and tie the ends together using a reef knot on opposite side of the injury and place a pad under the knot

 Check the bandaged arm for circulation

 

How to apply a Lower Arm sling:

This sling is used for injuries to the lower arm, including the wrist and hand

 Place the arm across the chest and slightly raised

 Place the triangular bandage between the arm and the body with the apex pointing towards the injured elbow

 Bring the lower half of the bandage up and over the injured arm

 Tie the ends together with a reef knot on the uninjured side & place a pad under the knot

 Tape, tie or pin at the elbow

 Check the injured arm for circulation

 Ensure the arm is not sloping downwards as this will increase swelling and pressure

 

How to apply a Collar and Cuff sling:

This sling can be used for dislocated shoulder, fractured ribs, or a fracture of the upper arm

 Make a clove hitch (dp) using a narrow fold bandage

 Put the loops over the wrist of the injured arm

 Gently elevate the injured arm against the casualty’s chest

 Tie the bandage ends together around the neck on the uninjured side using a reef knot, place a pad under the knot

 For extra support apply a broad bandage below the fracture site over the arm & around the body