There are various things that one needs to consider before applying a bandage to an injured person
. The first thing is that before applying any dressing the person applying the dressing should wash and dry their hands properly. In addition to this the following steps/ advice needs to be taking into consideration.
- Make sure that the person being wrapped with the bandage is sitting or lying down. It is usually not advisable to bandage a person while standing up.
- It is better to describe to the person whom you are wrapping the bandage on what you are doing. Sort of like a running commentary.
- If the area that is injured is also bleeding then you need to stop the bleeding. This can be done by applying pressure on the bleeding area and raising the inflicted area above heart level.
- The dressing that you are using should be slightly bigger than the wound that needs to be covered.
- The dressing should be held by its ends so that your fingers are away from the part that will cover the wound.
- Application of the bandage should begin placing the dressing on top of the wound not from the side of the wound.
- As mentioned, pressure is needed to stop the wound from bleeding but one should be careful not to apply too much pressure as this may restrict blood circulation to the wound.
Sterile dressing pads that are attached to bandages can also be used on wounds. These are usually available in a protective wrapping. It should be noted that once these sterile dressing pads are taken out of their wrapping they do not remain sterile i.e. hygienic. To apply these sterile dressing pads:
- One should hold the bandage from either side of the pad
- Place these pads directly on the wound
- The short end of the pad should be wound once around the area
- The other end should be wound around the area so as to cover the whole pad
- Finally the ends should be tied together over the pad to secure it
Plasters, which are also called adhesive dressings, can also be used on wounds. Plasters are made of gauze with an adhesive/sticky back. Plasters are usually found in single sterile packs. Plasters are available in different sizes and shapes. They can also be cut to the size that one needs.