Bandages and Dressings
Weve all used bandages so often we probably think very little about bandage purchasing decisions. However, there are still a number of important considerations to make before buying bandages. You need to be prepared for different kind of wounds. Cuts and scrapes are the most common, but dont forget that other wounds need to be treated differently.
Bandages can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are a couple of prominent bandage makers, including recognized names like BandAid, Curad and Nexcare. Band Aids are made out of plastic or cloth strips with gauze under-padding. You can now buy bandages with childrens favorite characters (like Spiderman, Lord of the Rings, SpongeBob Square Pants etc.)
Here are some things to look for in bandages:
- flexibility
- adhesive seals around the pad to seal out germs and dirt
- a soft, cushiony pad, which also allows the wound to breathe
- if necessary, free of latex and other allergenic (reaction causing) substances
Waterproofing is really a last consideration. Bandages can be replaced and the factors above are more important.
Before you bandage any wound, be sure to clean the area well. A number of experts feel that the use of iodine, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol actually slows the recovery time for wounds. Soap and water are effective, but be sure to get all dirt and grit out of the wound.
Puncture wounds caused by any sharp, pointed object can be dangerous for infection, as areas under the skin cannot be seen. Before you bandage, clean the area thoroughly with water. Elevate the area above the heart, if possible, to slow bleeding. Contact a physician if necessary. Be certain you are up to date on all immunizations against lockjaw.
Major wounds require the application of pressure to stop the bleeding. You may not want to bandage right away. If there is an object in the wound, remove it by applying pressure around the wound. Dont bandage the wound. Get professional medical help.
Did you know?
The army and military are experts at dealing with all kinds of injuries effectively and many developments in first aid happen through them. A number of breakthroughs in bandages and bandaging have happened, even in recent years.
QuikClot® is a new development that is available to emergency personnel in some states. It has been shown to save lives on the battlefield - stopping hemorrhaging immediately.
QuikClot® requires special training, comes with many precautions and does not apply to all wounds. It does save lives in certain situations and is becoming more widely available.
