First Aid

2.7 Wound dressings

G11 Health Sciences

 Learning objectives and learning outcome
Learning outcome: HSC.3.1.01.007 Demonstrate simple wound dressings.

Learning objectives Learning outcome

By the end of the lesson, learners will By the end of the lesson, learners will be
have completed: able to:

• theory on simple wound dressings. • demonstrate simple wound dressings.

• the difference between a bandage and
a dressing.
• application of a bandage.
• using a tourniquet.
• skills check 2. 2
 Keywords

• Bandage – material that is used to cover a dressing and hold it in place

• Wound – an injury to living tissue where the skin is broken

• Apply – to put or spread something on a surface

• Dressing – any material that is used to cover a wound; includes a plaster, gauze or
compress

• Windlass – part of the tourniquet; it is used to tighten the device around the limb

• Tourniquet – a device that is used to stop the flow of blood to a limb

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 Think: Types of wound dressings
Advanced and General

• Think back to the contents of a first aid kit. Can you name any of the types of wound
dressings that exist? Are the same dressings used for small cuts as for larger ones?
Make notes within your workbook.

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 Dressings and bandages
Dressing Bandage
• Material used directly on the • Material used to protect or cover
wound to stop bleeding. an injury.
• Any clean cloth or a piece of • Can also be used to apply
gauze can be used as a pressure to a wound by tying it
dressing. tightly.
 Activity: The difference

Advanced: activity 26 General: activity 21

• Identify which of the items is a • Identify which of the items is a
bandage and which is a dressing. bandage and which is a dressing.
• Briefly explain the use of each one.

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 How to control bleeding
Small cuts
• If the patient’s cut is small and not bleeding heavily, wash it cut under
water and apply a dressing such as a plaster.
 How to control bleeding
Large cuts
• Knowing how to correctly use a bandage is very
important to help stop light to heavy bleeding. The
bandage will hold the gauze in place.
• A bandage can also prevent infection or further harm.
This is because the bandage acts as a shield protecting
the open wound from infection.
• There are many different types of bandages for different
types of injuries.
 Applying a bandage
1. Assess the scene for dangers.
2. Ask for permission to give first aid.
3. Get the first aid kit and wear PPE.
4. Apply direct pressure to the cut with a gauze.
5. Start bandaging from below the gauze and work up the limb.
6. Wrap in circular motions until the wound and gauze are
completely covered.
7. Tuck the bandage in or tie in a knot.
8. Be careful not to wrap too tight as to cut off circulation.
 Activity: Applying a bandage
Advanced: activity 27
• Write the steps you should take
when dealing with a large cut in the
correct order.
General: activity 22
• Write the steps you should take when
dealing with a large cut in the correct
order.
• Use the phrases provided to help you
complete the activity.
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 Using a tourniquet
Tourniquet is a device that wraps around an arm or leg very tightly and stops
large amounts of blood loss.
Pre-made tourniquet is made up of two parts; a strap and a windlass (an
item that looks like a stick).

How to use a pre-made tourniquet :

• Wrap the strap around 5 cm above the wound.
• Tighten it using the windlass. This will cause pain to the injured person but
should stop the bleeding.
• Make a note of the time when you applied the tourniquet and leave it until
help arrives.
Activity: Applying a tourniquet
Advanced: activity 29 General: activity 24
• Look at the action steps you should
take when applying a tourniquet.
• Write the steps in the correct order.

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 A make-shift tourniquet
If a pre-made tourniquet is not available, it is easy to make one by using a
cloth and a stick, or other object.
1. Fold a long cloth or bandage so that it is at least 2.5 cm wide.
2. Wrap the bandage around 5 cm above the wound. In the centre of the
bandage, place whatever you are using instead of a windlass. This could
be a stick, pen, screwdriver, scissors, etc.
3. Tie the ends of the bandage around the stick. Then turn it to tighten the
bandage/cloth.
4. Create another knot at the top of the tourniquet to hold the stick in place.
5. Make a note of the time when you applied the tourniquet and leave it in
place until help arrives.
Activity: Makeshift tourniquet
Advanced: activity 30 General: activity 25
• Within your workbook ,describe
what should be done at each stage.

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 Learning objectives and learning outcome
Learning outcome: HSC.3.1.01.007 Demonstrate simple wound dressings.

Learning objectives Learning outcome

By the end of the lesson, learners will By the end of the lesson, learners will be
have completed: able to:

• theory on simple wound dressings. • demonstrate simple wound dressings.

• the difference between a bandage and
a dressing.
• application of a bandage.
• using a tourniquet.
• skills check 2. 15
Conclusion
Question

Recap