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

GAUZE DRESSINGS

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

GAUZE BANDAGE

A bandage is material used to cover an injury site and may even pose capabilities of holding pressure. 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. In first aid, gauze bandages provide uniform compression and retain dressings on fingers or toes, while lightweight cotton bandages are used to keep a dressing in place on a wound.

PROCEDURE FOR DRESSING AND BANDAGING A WOUND TO CONTROL BLEEDING:

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