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This article does not cite any references or sources. (June 2011) |
A bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device such as a dressing or splint, or on its own to provide support to the body; they can also be used to restrict a part of the body. During heavy bleeding or following a poisonous bite it is important to slow the flow of blood, tight bandages accomplish this task very well. Bandages are available in a wide range of types, from generic cloth strips, to specialized shaped bandages designed for a specific limb or part of the body, although bandages can often be improvised as the situation demands, using clothing, blankets or other material.
In colloquial American English, the word "bandage" is often used to mean a dressing, which is used directly on a wound, whereas a bandage is technically only used to support a dressing, and not directly on a wound.
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Types of bandages [edit]
Gauze bandage (common gauze roller bandage) [edit]
Is listed in the USP as a form in which Absorbent Gauze may be provided. It is prepared from type1 Absorbent gauze in various widths and lengths. The most common type of bandage is the gauze bandage, a simple woven strip of material, or a woven strip of material with a Telfa absorbent barrier to prevent adhering to wounds, which can come in any number of widths and lengths. A gauze bandage can be used for almost any bandage application, including holding a dressing in place.
Compression bandage [edit]
The term 'compression bandage' describes a wide variety of bandages with many different applications.
Short stretch compression bandages are applied to a limb (usually for treatment of lymphedema or venous ulcers). This type of bandage that is capable of shortening around the limb after application and is therefore not exerting ever-increasing pressure during inactivity. This dynamic is called resting pressure and is considered safe and comfortable for long-term treatment. Conversely, the stability of the bandage creates a very high resistance to stretch when pressure is applied through internal muscle contraction and joint movement. This force is called working pressure.
Long stretch compression bandages have long stretch properties, meaning their high compressive power can be easily adjusted. However, they also have a very high resting pressure and must be removed at night or if the patient is in a resting position.
Triangular bandage [edit]
Also known as a cravat bandage, a triangular bandage is a piece of cloth put into a right-angled triangle, and often provided with safety pins to secure it in place. It can be used fully unrolled as a sling, folded as a normal bandage, or for specialized applications, as on the head. One advantage of this type of bandage is that it can be makeshift and made from a fabric scrap or a piece of a t-shirt. The Boy Scouts popularized use of this bandage in many of their first aid lessons, as a part of the uniform is a "neckerchief" that can easily be folded to form a cravat.
Tube bandage [edit]
A tube bandage is applied using an applicator, and is woven in a continuous circle. It is used to hold dressings or splints on to limbs, or to provide support to sprains and strains, and it stops the bleeding.
See also [edit]
External links [edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Bandage |
- How to apply a bandage in a figure of 8 around an ankle. (YouTube)
- How to apply a bandage in circular style around a wrist. (YouTube)
- Use of Paper Dressings for Wounds, Popular Science monthly, February 1919, page 68, Scanned by Google Books: http://books.google.com/books?id=7igDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA68
- A Mechanical Helper for the Red Cross, Popular Science monthly, February 1919, page 74, Scanned by Google Books: http://books.google.com/books?id=7igDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA74
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