Bandages

How to apply a roller bandage:

1. The injured person should sit or lie down

2. Position yourself in front of the casualty on their injured side

3. Support the injured body part in position before starting

4. The casualty may be able to help by holding the padding in place

5. Wrap the ‘tail’ of the bandage one full turn around the limb to anchor it

6. If there is no assistance and there is padding over a wound, wrap the ‘tail’ of the bandage directly around the padding

7. Roll upwards continuing to unwind the bandage around the limb

8. Overlap the bandage by about two thirds its width as you unwind and secure the end with tape (alternatively bandage in a ‘figure eight’ fashion)

9. Make sure the bandage isn’t too tight. Check by pressing on a fingernail or toenail of the injured limb. If the pink colour returns within a couple of seconds the bandage isn’t affecting the circulation. If the nail remains white for some time, loosen the bandage. Keep checking and adjusting the bandage, especially if swelling is a problem

 How to fold a triangular bandage:

1. Place an open triangular bandage on a clean flat surface

2. To create a broad bandage for splinting fractures of the upper legs - fold again in the same direction

3. To create a narrow fold bandage for lower leg fractures - fold one more time in the same direction

4. To create a sling - fold from the (point) to the middle of the bandage

Slings

Upper arm sling:

1. Support the injured arm in a ‘V’ so that it is held in front of their body and bent at the elbow with the hand resting in the hollow where the collarbone meets the shoulder

2. With the point of the triangular bandage positioned at the elbow, place the bandage over the top of the arm; tuck the upper point under the casualty’s fingertips

3. Pass the base of the bandage up under the forearm to create a cradle or hammock

4. Join the bandage together at the elbow and twist towards the casualty into a long spiral

5. Bring the long spiral around and then up the person’s back

6. Tie the two ends together firmly at the person’s fingertips

7. Secure at the elbow with a pin, tape or twist

8. Check circulation to the arm, wrist and fingers

9. Secure additional bandages to support the sling, if needed

Lower arm sling:

1. Support the injured forearm parallel to the ground

2. With the point of the triangular bandage at the elbow, place under the arm

3. Extend the upper point of the triangular bandage over the shoulder on the uninjured side

4. Bring the lower end of the bandage up to meet the other end and tie in the hollow of the neck just above the collarbone on the uninjured side to avoid any pressure on the neck;

5. Check for circulation to the arm and fingers