First Aid for Severe Bleeding Certification Manual: Equipment - Dressings & Bandages

First Aid for Severe Bleeding: Dressings & Bandages
Dressing

A dressing is clean material that is placed on top of the wound along with pressure to control the bleeding.

Bandage

A bandage is material used to cover an injury site and may even pose capabilities of holding pressure. Think of a band aid. The white cotton part is the dressing that goes over the injury, while the sticky adhesive part is the bandage used to cover the site and apply pressure.

Procedure for Dressing and Bandaging a Wound
  1. Ensure scene safety
  2. Get PPE and first aid kit
  3. Dial 911
  4. Use the appropriate size gauze to cover and hold on top of the wound
  5. Size the gauze by making sure the gauze being used will cover the entire wound
  6. Hold pressure on the wound
  7. If bleeding is controlled then secure the dressing with tape or if continued pressure is needed, secure the dressing with a bandage