A Quick Guide

to
Bandaging

A. Elastic Bandaging
  Needs a roller bandage
 When to use bandaging in first aid?
-Supporting a limb or joint
-Supporting a wound or incision
-Holding dressings in place
-Holding a splint in place
-Immobilization of a joint or limb
-Maintaining a limb in a specific position
-Provide compression over bleeding

1. Circular Bandage (or Circular Turn)

- used to anchor bandages so dressings hold in place. It is often the start and end of a
bandage.

 Step 1: Apply the end of the bandage to the part to be bandaged

 Step 2: Encircle first layer, then anchor end of first layer to second layer
 Step 3: Encircle body part as needed and directly cover previous turn.
 Step 4: Secure end with tape, clip, or safety pin.

2. Spiral Bandage
- For applying some pressure on the arm, leg, or wrist. May hold dressings. Good for
lesser bleeding or smaller wounds.

 Step 1: Begin with two circular turns. (see A and B)

 Step 2: Begin spiral by turning in 30 degree angles. Make sure that each layer
covers two-thirds of the previous layer. (see C)
 Step 3: End with two circular turns and secure.
 3. Spiral Reverse Bandage
- Applies firmer pressure than Spiral bandage. Should look like a “basket weave”.
Especially useful on calf (lower leg) as it follows the shape over limb more closely.

 Step 1: Begin with circular turn (see A).

 Step 2: Do about four spiral turns (see B).
 Step 3: Place the thumb of your free hand on the upper edge of the uppermost turn
and apply firm pressure to hold the bandage in place.
 Step 4: Unwind about six inches of bandage from the roll.
 Step 5: Using your thumb, give the roll a downward twist (see C)
 Step 6: Carry the roll around the limb and back. The bandage should be at about
the same location as the half-twist, but higher.
 Step 7: Repeat steps 3-6 as needed, keeping “basket weave” look fixed.
 Step 8: When finished, apply circular bandage and secure (see D).

B. Triangular Bandaging
 Needs cravat or large handkerchief (panyo)
 Uses: Can help support or immobilize an injury, control bleeding, or prevent further
injury to a fracture.
---Arm Sling

 Step 1: Support injured arm yourself or let injured person support it with their other
arm. The Apex (see A) should point to side of injured arm.
 Step 2: Place cravat/handkerchief behind injured arm while injured person supports
it. Hold the top corner (see B).
 Step 3: Lift the bottom corner over patient's arm and continue grasping both
bottom and top corners (see C).
 Step 4: Tie the two corners behind the injured person's neck (preferably a square
knot so that the tie is easier to remove).
 Step 5: Ask and make sure the arm sling is not too tight (see D and E)