Principles of bandaging - How to apply a bandage

Bandages can be used to secure dressings,control bleeding,support and immobilise limbs and reduce swelling in an injured part...Roller bandages secure dressings and support injured limbs..Tubular bandages hold dressings on fingers and toes or support injured joints..Triangular bandages can be used as large dressings,as slings,to secure dressings or to immobilise limbs...
Rules for applying a bandage:

Before applying a bandage,reassure the affected person and explain what you are going to do..

Make the affected person comfortable,in a suitable sitting or lying down position..

Keep the injured part supported while you are working on it..

Always work at the front of the casualty and from the injured side where possible..

If the affected person is lying down,pass the bandages under the body's natural hollows at the ankles,knees,waist and neck,then slide the bandages in to position by easing them back and forth under the body...

Apply bandages firmly but not so tightly that they interfere with circulation to the area beyond the bandage..

Leave the fingers or toes on a bandaged limb exposed,if possible,so that you can check the circulation afterwards..

Use reef knots to ties bandages...Ensure that the knots do not cause discomfort and do not tie the knot over a bony area...Tuck loose ends under a knot..

Regularly check the circulation in the area beyond the bandage...Unroll the bandage until blood supply returns and reapply it more loosely...