The Importance Of Bandages And Emergency Pressure Dressings

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The Importance Of Bandages And Emergency Pressure Dressings
Shallow cuts, scrapes, and abrasions may be minor in the realm of workplace injuries, but they should be tended to immediately. A well-stocked first aid kit is important to have on hand so that workers can treat their wounds in a timely manner. They also help ensure that minor injuries do not become infected. Employers should be sure to make first aid kits available at any workplace.
Most minor injuries only require an adhesive
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, such as a Band-Aid, or a small amount of gauze and tape. Bandages come in many varieties, and the appropriate should be used depending on the nature of the wound and the environment where a staff member works. There are waterproof adhesive bandages, ones made from flexible woven fabric, sheer strips, and heavyweight bandages for maximum strength that will not tear.
Larger wounds that can't be treated with a bandage and need more absorbency require an emergency pressure dressing. This type of
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is made from high-absorbency fabric or gauze. It should be applied with a great deal of pressure and wrapped tightly with a bandage roll.
In addition to emergency pressure dressings, some cuts and lacerations can be treated with alternative supplies. Steri-Strips and butterfly bandages are very small pieces of medical tape that can be used to bring the edges of a wound together to keep it closed and help reduce bleeding.
Severe wounds require medical attention. A doctor or medial professional should be called if:
? The edges of the wound are jagged
? The wound is on the face
? The edges of the wound gape open
? There is dirt in the wound that won't wash or rinse out
? The wound is draining pus
? The wound is tender and inflamed
? The area around the wound has gone numb
? Red streaks are forming near the wound
? Bleeding is profuse and won't stop in 20 minutes
For wounds that can be treated on-site, keeping first aid supplies in one central location, or multiple locations in larger facilities, is the basis for an effective and useful first aid program. Workers should be trained to know where these items are kept so that if an injury occurs, they will be able to quickly find and properly use bandages, Band-Aids, emergency pressure dressings, Steri-Strips, butterfly bandages, and other items. This knowledge, as well as the proper protocol for severe wounds, is essential to maintaining a sound and safe workplace.
When to Use an Elastic Bandage

ELASTIC BANDAGES FOR COMPRESSION AND SUPPORT AFTER AN INJURY
Joint injuries can often be initially treated with an
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for compression and support. But there are many reasons and ways to use an elastic bandage after an injury, and times when one shouldn’t be used at all. Here are some tips about when and how to use an elastic bandage.
ELASTIC BANDAGES ARE MULTITASKERS
When used immediately after injury, an elastic bandage can serve many functions:
- Control swelling around an injured joint
- Hold an ice pack in place
- Secure a splint after a fracture or severe sprain
- Keep other bandages secure and protected
HOW TO USE AN ELASTIC BANDAGE THE RIGHT WAY
- Elastic bandages should not be used over an open wound. Clean and dress the wound before applying any type of wrap, splint, or other support. Serious wounds need professional medical attention.
- Don’t wrap too tightly. A bandage that’s too tight can cut off circulation completely. Swelling at either end of the bandage, numbness or tingling, or discoloration means the bandage is too tight and needs to be adjusted.
- Leave the fingers and toes unwrapped, exposed, and free to move. This also helps you stay alert to any changes in the injured area like redness or increased swelling, which should be examined by a doctor.
- Adjust the bandage throughout the day. Unwrap the injured area, reapply the bandage, and secure with clips or tape, taking care that there aren’t any wrinkles or twists in the bandage as you wrap. A smooth wrap applies even pressure to the injured area.
KNOW WHEN TO STOP USING AN ELASTIC BANDAGE
The pain and swelling associated with a sprain can mask more serious underlying injuries, so know when to get more help.
- If swelling and pain gets worse, it’s time to seek professional treatment.
- If, after removing the bandage, the injured area still feels numb or tingles, see your doctor.
- If a fracture on a ligament sprain is suspected, an X-ray or MRI will allow your doctor to prescribe the right treatment for your injury
 
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