As a general rule, bandages refer, in a medical context, to the act of wrapping a certain part of the body. Because of this, bandages are needed, some strips of gauze, canvas or other materials, usually with elastic properties. On other occasions sanitary materials such as dressings or duct tape are used. In any case, various types of first aid bandages are often used on people to relieve their pain in emergency situations.
Also, they can be done to avoid complications while waiting for emergency services. Furthermore, it is possible to apply different methods according to the state and location of the regions to be bandaged.
When used in emergency situations, bandages fall under first aid. These include a set of health techniques that a person can apply to preserve their own life or that of other people. Next, we will tell you which ones are the most used.
In what situations can a bandage be performed?
In clinical practice, bandages have many uses, as they are easy to apply and can greatly reduce complications and improve an individual’s clinical condition. They are normally applied after the emergency team has been alerted and are expected to travel to the scene of the accident.. Bandaging techniques are used in a wide variety of medical situations, both emergency and routine. Among the ailments that can be treated and other common uses of the bandaging process, the following can be highlighted:
- Burns of any kind. In this case, the idea will always be to minimize the damage to the skin and soft tissue caused by the burn before receiving specialized medical attention. It also promotes tissue healing.
- Bleeding or blood loss which can vary in severity. Thus, bandages are used to reduce or contain blood loss while professionals participate.
- Various types of trauma, such as dislocations, sprains, broken bones, etc. In this case, bandages are applied to immobilize the affected joint or body region. Therefore, it is possible that the patient will feel less pain, because movement or displacement of the affected areas is avoided.
On the other hand, bandaging is done on certain occasions to achieve other goals. This is the case with the fixation of splints, dressings, medications (usually topical), etc. In addition, they can be used to prevent possible injuries. The important thing is to know how to do it to get the expected results. Second a publication of National Health ServiceTo do this correctly, the following must be taken into account:
- Make sure the person is comfortable.
- Do the work on the side of the injury so you don’t have to lie down on the affected person’s body.
- Keep the injured area in the position it will remain after putting on the bandage.
- Use the right size bandage. There is one suitable for every part of the body.
- Do not unroll the bandage too much to have better control of the material.
- Apply the bandage firmly, but without leaving it too tight. To check that it is not too tight, a piece of skin should be pressed to see if it pales to the touch. If not, it’s best to loosen the bandage a little.
- Start at the distal part of the wound and then work your way towards it progressively. It is also recommended to start from the distal part of the affected limb towards the proximal part in case of arm or leg injuries.
Types of bandages in first aid and emergencies
The type of first aid bandage will depend on multiple factors, such as the level of damage or the patient’s condition. Depending on the clinical condition of the affected person (what kind of damage was suffered, where it was suffered, how serious it is), different bandaging processes can be carried out.
The healthcare team knows a wide variety of techniques that improve the state of the conditions suffered. However, these procedures can be practiced in emergency situations by an individual outside this scope. The types of bandages most commonly used in first aid include:
- In eight. As a general rule, it is used to immobilize joints such as the elbow, knee, ankle, wrist, among others. It is performed by crossing the turns of the bandages, in the shape of an eight.
- protective. This type of bandage is used as a prevention against possible pathogens that could enter the wound.
- content. It is developed to heal wounds and burns on a regular basis.
- Compressive. It is most frequently used to contain a hemorrhage or blood loss in some region of the body.
- Spiral. It is generally applied to the extremities to protect them and performs a compressive function. Successive turns partially overlap as the affected area is progressively covered.
- spiral fold. It is very similar to the previous one and is used on the calf or forearm to protect the area. The difference is that you start with 2 circular turns to secure the bandage at the end.
- Circular. Regions of the body such as fingers, forearms, thighs, etc. are protected and supported.
- Simple. In this case, when one area of the body is bandaged, the strips of bandage overlap completely.
- Applicant. It is used on fingertips or stumps of amputated limbs. First you have to make two circular turns to fix the bandage and then go up towards the terminal end and return several times to the base in order to cover the whole area.
Bandage types are techniques that everyone should know
As you can see, the different types of first aid bandages are very useful for treating any type of wound and reducing the damage suffered. In this sense, it is essential to always keep them in mind and know when they are needed.
We hope that this article has been useful and interesting and has been able to solve some of your doubts. Obviously, Do not hesitate to go to the nearest medical center to contact a specialist before doing any practice. If you find yourself in an emergency, call 911 and wait for the medical team to arrive.
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