First Aid Basics: Part Two

Welcome to First Aid Basics: Part Two! In the last article, we witnessed a scenario of a family in crisis. What is disconcerning is that could very well happen to anyone. Life is very fragile and injuries can happen at any time. Learning how to protect yourself in different situations will decrease your chance of injury, but never completely take the risk away. In this article, we will explore the different bandages and dressings in first aid. We will discuss when to get stitches, and how to diagnose shock and how to treat shock until the proper authorities arrive. Remember that by reading these articles you are taking the first step in protecting yourself and others around you when injuries occur, but I STRONGLY recommend and stress the importance of taking the time to get certified by an organization such as the American Red Cross. Call your local chapter to get more information on cost and times of classes.

---

Dressings and Bandages

So you are wondering what is the difference between dressings and bandages? We will definitely talk about the difference between the two in a minute. Wounds that are larger in size and open to infection need to be covered by a dressing. By utilizing the dressing, you will also be able to control bleeding and the chance of infection. Dressings and bandages can be purchased at your local grocery store or at drug stores. One should have a variety of shapes and sizes in their first aid kit so that they are ready for any injury.

Dressings
Dressings are used to cover a wound that is open and some are designed to not stick to the wound and cause further damage or pain. The dressing will soak up excess blood from the wound, therefore stopping blood flow and controlling the loss of blood. In order to keep the wound from becoming infected; one should use a dressing as soon as possible and make sure that the dressing is free of germs or sterile. When looking at a common dressing, you will notice that you can see into the dressing. They are not tightly woven... the weave is loose to allow air to circulate to the wound. The air circulating will promote healing with the wound.

Bandages
A bandage can be any piece of material used to secure a dressing in place. It can also be used to apply pressure to the wound to help control the bleeding. A sling is also a bandage and is used to support a part of the body that is injured. Bandages come in many different types. The most famous of course is the good old Band-Aid... and can range to many others. Examples are:

Go To Page: 1 2 3

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic