Cleaning the wound
Before using the bandage, clean the wound with clean water or soapy water to remove dirt and bacteria. If the wound is bleeding, gently press with a clean cloth or towel to stop the bleeding. You can also use iodine to directly disinfect the surrounding skin and wounds. If you use iodine or alcohol cotton balls for disinfection, be careful not to let it enter the wound.
Choose the right bandage
Choose the right type and specification of bandage according to the size and location of the wound. Common types of trauma bandages include reel bandages, triangular bandages, tubular bandages, etc. Reel bandages are the most widely used, generally 5 meters in length and width as needed; triangular bandages can be fully unfolded as slings, folded up as ordinary bandages, or used for special applications; tubular bandages are used to fix dressings or splints to limbs, or to provide support for sprains and strains.
Wound dressings
If the wound is large or deep, you can cover the wound with sterile gauze or clean cloth. If there is no sterile gauze, you can use a clean towel, clothing, etc. to avoid further contamination of the wound.
How to use different types of bandages
Roll bandage
The rescuer faces the injured person, takes a suitable position, and first covers the wound with sterilized gauze.
Hold the bandage head in the left hand and the bandage roll in the right hand, and use the outside of the bandage to close to the local area. When bandaging, it is usually wrapped from left to right and from bottom to top.
The bandage should not be too tight to avoid local swelling, nor too loose to avoid slipping. Generally, the arm should be bent (elbow flexed) and the leg should be tied straight to maintain the functional position of the limb.
Triangular bandage
If used as a normal bandage, fold the triangular bandage into a suitable width, cover the wound, and then fix it with a safety pin.
If used as a sling, fully unfold the triangular bandage, put the injured arm on it, adjust the position, and tie a knot behind the neck to fix it.
If used for special applications, such as wearing it on the head, it can be folded and fixed according to specific needs.
Tubular bandages
Use an applicator to apply tubular bandages and weave them into continuous circles. They are used to fix dressings or splints on limbs, or to provide support for sprains and strains to stop bleeding.
Precautions after use
Observe the wound
After bandaging, closely observe the wound for bleeding, swelling, increased pain, etc. If there is any abnormality, it should be treated promptly.
Change the bandage regularly
It is generally recommended to change the bandage once a day, and disinfect the skin again before each change to prevent bacterial growth.