First Aid Tools

Bandages

A bandage is any material that is used to hold a dressing in place, maintain pressure over a wound, support a limb or joint, immobilize parts of the body, or secure a splint.

When using bandages, remember to:

• Apply firmly to make sure bleeding is controlled or immobilization is achieved
• Check the circulation below the injury before and after applying a bandage, you may have applied it too tightly or swelling may have made it too tight.

Triangular Bandage

A triangular bandage is a versatile item in a first aid kit. It can be used fully opened to create a sling or hold a large dressing in place. It can be folded into a broad or narrow bandage to hold splints, apply pressure, or to immobilize parts of the body.

Broad and Narrow Bandage

A broad bandage is used to apply pressure over a wide area, and to immobilize the body to itself. To form a broad bandage:

1. Fold the point to the centre of the base with the point slightly beyond the base.

   

2. Fold in half again from the top to the base.

   

A narrow bandage is a better option for securing splints and dressings as it allows more focused pressure. To form a narrow bandage, fold a broad bandage in half again from the top to the base to form a narrow bandage.

Reef Knot

The reef knot is the best, and preferred, knot for tying bandages and slings. The reef knot lies flat, making it more comfortable than other knots; it does not slip and is easy to untie to adjust the bandage.

To tie a reef knot, perform the following steps:

1. Take one end of a bandage in each hand.
2. Lay the end from the right hand over the one from the left hand and pass it under to form a half-knot. This will transfer the ends from one hand to the other.
3. The end now in the left hand should be laid over the one from the right and passed under to form another half-knot. The finished knot looks like two intertwined loops.
4. Tighten by pulling one loop against the other or by pulling only on the ends.
5. Place knots so they do not cause discomfort by pressing on skin or bone, particularly at the site of a fracture or, when tying a sling, place knot at the neck.
6. If the knot is uncomfortable, place soft material underneath as padding.

Figure 8 Knot

A figure 8 knot may be used to tie the ankles and feet, to secure a splint to the ankles/feet, or to support an injured ankle.

To tie a figure 8 knot, perform the following steps:

1. Position the centre of a narrow or broad triangular bandage under the ankle (or both ankles if tying the feet together).

   

2. Cross the ends over top the ankles and bring the ends around the feet and tie off.

   

Roller Bandage

Roller bandages, usually made of gauze-like elastic material, are used to hold dressings in place or to secure splints.

Put on a roller bandage in a simple spiral. Starting at the narrow part of the limb, anchor the bandage with a few turns and continue wrapping the bandage, overlapping each turn by one quarter to one third of the bandage’s width. Make full-width overlaps with the final two or three turns and secure with a safety pin, adhesive tape, or by cutting and tying the bandage as shown. Always check circulation below the wound before and after applying a bandage, as you may have applied it too tightly, or swelling may have made it too tight.