Bandages and Slings

hellonotarealdr
Jun 9
2 min read

Updated: Jun 25

It is important to be able to bandage wounds correctly. This includes regular cuts and scrapes, embedded objects*, head wounds, support slings, and elevated slings.

Normal

Place the sterile dressing over the wound, ensuring it is fully covered.
Ask the casualty* to hold down the shorter end if they are able to, and then wind the longer end around the limb.
When there is around 10cm left of the longer end, wind the shorter end around the limb until there is 10cm of this left too.
Tie the ends together — tight enough so that it is secure, loose enough that the casualty’s circulation* is not cut off.
Tuck the ends under previous layers.

Embedded object

Place two rolled-up bandages on either side of the embedded object.
Take another roll of bandage and wind it around the object.
Make sure it is securely held in place and is not removable.

Head wound

Head wounds tend to bleed a lot and cause distressing symptoms such as fainting, unconsciousness, and vomiting. Hence, it is important to stay calm and deal with the wound confidently.

Unwrap the sterile dressing and place the cotton pad on the site of the wound.
Wrap the bandage around the head, using the ears and natural curve of the skull to keep it in place.
Make sure no blood can drip into the eyes by winding the bandage so that most of the strips are at the bottom of the dressing.

Support sling

Ask the casualty to support their arm with their other hand.
Gently slide the triangular bandage under their arm — the point of the triangle should be under the elbow of the injured arm.
The top end of the bandage goes around the back of their neck.
The other end of the bandage goes around their shoulder.
Tie these two ends together where they meet.

Elevated sling

Triangular bandage is draped over the chest, on top of the injured arm.
Tuck the lower part of the bandage underneath the injured arm.
Tie off the ends, making sure they are tied tightly because all of the support in this bandage comes from the knot.

Summary:

There are four main types of bandages and slings you are learning about here. In terms of bandages, you learn about normal bandaging, and bandaging for an embedded object. For slings, you learn about support slings and elevated slings.

Glossary:

Embedded object: an object that is stuck in someone/something. For wounds, this could be anything like a splinter, a knife, etc.

Casualty: the person that is hurt in a first aid scenario.

Circulation: the blood flowing around a person's body.

For Older Learners:

Use these questions to challenge yourself!

Why do you think it’s important to avoid covering an embedded object directly with a flat dressing? How might doing so increase the risk of further injury?
Why is the position of the knot particularly important in an elevated sling? How could an incorrectly placed knot affect healing or cause further harm?
Head wounds often bleed heavily. Why do you think the body reacts this way to scalp injuries?