44-Hour Course

Lesson no. 28

Bandage

When is a head bandage used?

A head bandage is used to treat head injuries and incisions anywhere on the head until further medical help arrives.

Why do we use a head bandage?

We use a head bandage to stop bleeding caused by incisions or head trauma. A head bandage can also be used to treat burns and swelling.

Steps for applying a head bandage:

  1. Approach the patient and identify them.
  2. Locate the area from which the head is bleeding, whether it is an incision or a head trauma.
  3. Using a fresh and sterile pad, apply pressure to the wound wherever it may be on the head.
  4. Ask the patient or anyone else around to hold on to the pad and continue applying pressure. Then, take out a rolling bandage to wrap the pad, so it stays in place. To keep the pressure on and prevent it from moving, you would have to anchor the bandage, depending on the location of the injury. If the injury is at the top of the head, the best way to anchor it would be under the chin. When the injury is on the sides of the head, it is good to anchor the bandage behind the ears. You can also anchor the bandage by tucking it into the first round of bandaging you have done, but make sure it is tight as we do not want it to fall apart.
  5. If available, use elastic net bandages to hold the pad in place.

When is a chin bandage used?

A chin bandage is used to treat serious injuries to the chin such as cuts, incisions, bruises, and even light fractures.

Why do we use a chin bandage?

You should use a chin bandage if you detect swelling, redness, or bleeding. To treat this type of injury we will apply a chin dressing, an action allowing us to apply pressure.

Steps for applying a chin bandage:

  1. Approach the patient and identify them.
  2. Locate the area from which the chin is bleeding or the area which has been bruised.
  3. Using a fresh and sterile pad, apply pressure to the wound wherever it may be on the chin.
  4. Ask the patient or anyone else around to hold on to the pad and continue applying pressure. Then, take out a rolling bandage to wrap the pad, so it stays in place. In order to keep the pressure on and prevent it from moving, you would have to anchor the bandage, depending on the location of the injury. If the injury is at the bottom of the chin, the best way to anchor it would be over the head. You can anchor the bandage behind the ears, but also anchor the bandage by tucking it into the first round of bandaging you have done, but make sure it is tight as we do not want it to fall apart.
  5. If available, use elastic net bandages to hold the pad in place.

When is an eye bandage used?

An eye bandage assists in treating any eye-related injuries. It is used when there is an injury on the eye or there is a risk that the surface of the eye had been damaged.

Why do we use an eye bandage?

We use an eye bandage for two reasons, sometimes simultaneously.

One reason might be to protect the eye from any dust or grime that might aggravate the eye or worsen the injury. The other reason might be to absorb any liquid secreted by the eye, especially if it is excessive.

Steps for applying an eye bandage:

  1. Approach the patient and identify them.
  2. Explain what the procedure is going to be, before starting, especially since the eyes are delicate organs.
  3. If possible, clean your hands before touching the eyes, so as to not cause any additional infection.
  4. Examine the eye and the injury for any secretions or crust and, using a sterilized cloth, cleanse the eyes. In certain cases, you could use clean water to cleanse the area.
  5. Using a clean and sterile gauze, place the patch over the patient’s entire eye, and fasten it above and below the eye using some tape. Depending on the injury, you could fasten it on both sides instead.
  6. The bandage should be frequently changed, depending on the discharge.
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