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| EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT |
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| FIRST-AID |
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| FIRST-AID |
| DRESSINGS,BANDAGES AND ADHESIVE TAPE Dressings Purpose To absorb blood and excessive drainage inorder to keep a wound clean. To cover the medication applied to a wound To protect a wound from the invasion of bacteria that may cause infection Bandages Purpose To keep a dressing in place To stop bleeding by exerting pressure on the dressing To serve as tourniquet To be the support of an affected part To serve as a sling To fix and hold a splint securely To restrict motion in a limb To immobilize a joint General Direction for Bandaging Proper bandaging means the applying of a bandage in such a way to promote and not hinder the process of healing, to give comfort to the patient, and at the same time to bandage neatly. Before beginning to bandage, put the part in the position that will be most comfortable for the patient. Place a limb as nearly as possible in the relaxed position in which it is to be left. This adds to the comfort of the patient and averts further injury to the limb. See to it that the parts which have to be elevated are firmy supported. Examine the part for swelling, which follows the injury. Constant readjustment of the bandage maybe necessary until the swelling has subsided and the normal circulation has been re-established. While applying the bandage, ask the patient whether the bandage feels comfortable.Repeat the question when the work is done. Apply the bandage neither too tightly nor too loosely. The degree of pressure required will have to be determined by the condition of the affected part. Always pad the bony prominences of joints where the bandage is likely to do harm because of pressure and cutting into the adjacent fleshy soft tissues. Be sure that the part is clean, dry and free from perspiration. Never allow two surfaces to come into direct contact. Before putting on the bandage place the absorbent cotton wherever a contact may occur, such as between the arm and the chest, behind the ear, and under the breast. Never bandage together two surfaces of the skin, one or both of which are raw. First insert between the two a sterile dressing to prevent their rubbing against each other and to protect the healthy skin from becoming infected by the raw surface. |
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| Adhesive Tape Purpose To anchor a dressing To secure a bandage To hold splints in position To prevent a wound from gaping To give support and uniform pressure in combination with splints To immobilize a part in combination with splints in order to give it rest and relief from pain. Application Shave the part to preclude irritation on removal of the tape. Cleanse and dry the skin; wipe the area with tape remover and allow it to completely evaporate. Do not apply adhesive too tightly nor encircle a part, in order not to impair the circulation. Prevent the edges of adhesive from cutting into the tissues of fleshy parts. Protect bony prominences and raw surfaces by first putting over them a padding of gauze. Effect an even uniform pull from both ends to keep the skin from wrinkling. CAUTION: Never use adhesive on a sensitive skin since this may predispose the area to infection; never recover the same portions of skin if any irritation has arisen from the removal of the former strips, but reapply adhesives over other spots. Removal Allow the agent time to dissolve the plaster base before attempting to remove the tape. Snip long strips into sections to make them easier to remove. Loosen the ends and work toward the middle, alternately from each end. Wipe off with the solvent any sticky particles still adhering to the skin. Wash the area with soap and water; dry thoroughly. Apply a sterile dressing as a protection against infection if the adhesive has torn off skin and left a raw surface. Agents for adhesive removal are: A combination of two parts benzine, and one part mineral oil. The mineral oil prevents smarting and burning of the skin and irritation of the eyes. Various preparations are available in the market. |
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| Dressings,Bandages and Adhesive Tape |