USE OF
DRESSINGS AND
BANDAGES
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Applying dressings and bandages
is an important part of good first
aid practice.
Wounds usually require dressing
and almost all injuries will benefit
from the support that bandages
can give.
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USES OF DRESSINGS
Controls bleeding
Covers the wound to protect and prevent it from
infection
USES OF BANDAGES
Maintains direct pressure over a dressing
Holds dressing and splints in place
Limits swelling
Provides support to a limb or joint
Restricts movement
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Materials for dressings and bandages
Gauze pads
Roller bandage
Triangular bandage
Tubular bandage
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Materials for dressings and bandages
Adhesive dressing Sterile dressing
Pin, clips
and tape
Cotton wool Sterile eye pads
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DRESSINGS
Medical coverings for wounds that are usually
made of cloths
General rules for applying dressings:
• Should always extend well beyond the wound’s
edges
• Place directly on the wound. Do not slide
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• If bleeding seeps through a dressing, do not
remove, instead, apply another dressing over the
top.
• If there is only one sterile, use this to cover the
wound and use other clean materials as top-
dressing
• Wash hands, wear disposable gloves if possible.
• Avoid touching the wound or any part of the
dressing that that comes in contact with the wound
• Try not to talk, sneeze or cough over a wound.
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TYPES OF DRESSINGS
STERILE DRESSING
(Ambulance Dressing)
Made up of a piece of gauze by a
layer of cotton wool padding.
Sold in a single units in a variety of
sizes and sealed in protective
wrappings.
If the seal is broken, the dressing is
no longer sterile
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TYPES OF DRESSINGS
ADHESIVE DRESSINGS
(Plasters)
Consist of a gauze pad attached to
adhesive backing.
Specially shape plasters are
available.
Food handlers are requires to wear
waterproof plasters preferably
colored on cuts.
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TYPES OF DRESSINGS
GAUZE DRESSINGS
Alternative for sterile dressing
Cover the gauze with pads of
cotton wool to absorb blood or
discharge.
Use adhesive strapping to secure
the dressing or a roller bandage if
pressure id required.
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BANDAGES
A strip of material used to bind a wound or protect an
injured part of the body
General rules for applying bandages:
Before applying:
Explain what you are going to do and keep reassuring
him
Make thee victim comfortable if possible (lying or
sitting)
Keep the injured part supported.
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