Covering a break in the skin helps to prevent infection and control bleeding. Dressings are gauze or cotton pads that are applied directly to a wound to absorb blood and other fluids. Cloth bandages keep dressings in place by covering them.
Step 1: Dress the wound
Put on gloves or use other protection to avoid contact with the victim's blood.
Clean the wound with mild soap and water.
Apply a small layer of antibiotic if desired.
Place a clean dressing over the entire wound. Gauze dressings let in air for faster healing. Nonstick dressings have a special surface that won't cling to the wound.
If blood soaks through the dressing, place another dressing over the first one.
Step 2: Cover the bandage
Wrap roller gauze or cloth strips over the dressing and around the wound several times.
Extend the bandage at least an inch beyond both sides of the dressing.
Don't wrap the bandage so tight that it interferes with blood flow to healthy tissue.
Step 3: Secure the bandage
Tie or tape the bandage in place.
Don't secure the bandage so tight that fingers or toes become pale or blue.
Step 4: Check circulation
Check circulation in the area below the bandage after several minutes and again after several hours. If circulation is poor, the skin may look pale or blue or feel cold. Signs of poor circulation also include numbness and tingling.
If circulation is reduced, loosen the bandage immediately. If symptoms continue, seek medical attention.
The 100% eLearning Basic First Aid Course covers the essential skill of First Aid that everyone should know and be able to do such as a variety yet simple bandaging.
Included is an introduction to CPR+AED with instructions of use and application. Delivered in a simple, practical format, it covers the management of common everyday first aid situations such as heart attack, choking and bleeding according to the Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council guidelines.
To find out more about Basic First Aid,
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