FIRST AID, BANDAGES AND SLINGS

SLINGS

Slings are used to support an injured arm, or to supplement treatment for another injury such as fractured ribs. Generally, the most effective sling is made with a triangular bandage. Every first aid kit, no matter how small, should have at least two of these bandages as essential items.

Although triangular bandages are preferable, any material, ex. tie, belt, or piece of twine or rope, can be used in an emergency. If no likely material is to hand, and injured arm can be adequately supported by inserting it inside the casualty’s shirt or blouse. Similarly, a safety pin applied to a sleeve and secured to clothing on the chest may suffice.

There are essentially three types of sling; the arm sling for injuries to the forearm, the St John sling for injuries to the shoulder, and the ‘collar-and-cuff’ or clove hitch for injuries to the upper arm and as supplementary support to fractured ribs.

On application of any sling, always check the circulation to the limb by feeling for the pulse at the wrist, or squeezing a fingernail and observing for change of color in the nail bed.

The Arm Sling

1. Support the injured forearm approximately parallel to the ground with the wrist slightly higher than the elbow.

2. Place an open triangular bandage between the body and the arm, with its apex towards the elbow.

3. Extend the upper point of the bandage over the shoulder on the uninjured side.

4. Bring the lower point up over the arm, across the shoulder on the injured side to join the upper point and tie firmly with a reef knot.

5. Ensure the elbow is secured by folding the excess bandage over the elbow and securing with a safety pin.

St John Sling

1. Support the casualty’s arm with the elbow beside the body and the hand extended towards the uninjured shoulder.

2. Place an opened triangular bandage over the forearm and hand, with the apex towards the elbow.

3. Extend the upper point of the bandage over the uninjured shoulder.

4. Tuck the lower part of the bandage under the injured arm, bring it under the elbow and around the back and extend the lower point up to meet the upper point at the shoulder.

5. Tie firmly with a reef knot.

6. Secure the elbow by folding the excess material and applying a safety pin, then ensure that the sling is tucked under the arm giving firm support.

‘Collar-and-Cuff’ (Clove Hitch)

1. Allow the elbow to hang naturally at the side and place the hand extended towards the shoulder on the uninjured side.

2. Form a clove hitch by forming two loops — one towards you, one away from you.

3. Put the loops together by sliding your hands under the loops and closing with a “clapping” motion. If you are experienced at forming a clove hitch, then apply a clove hitch directly on the wrist, but take care not to move the injured arm.

4. Slide the clove hitch over the hand and gently pull it firmly to secure the wrist.

5. Extend the points of the bandage to either side of the neck and tie firmly with a reef knot.

6. Allow the arm to hang comfortably. Should further support be required, ex. For support to fractured ribs, apply triangular bandages around the body and upper arm to hold the arm firmly against the chest.

ROLLER BANDAGES

Roller Bandages
Roller bandages are long strips of material which are rolled up for easy use.  They come in different widths and material.

Roller Bandages: Gauze or Cotton Roller Bandage
Gauze and cotton bandages are non-conforming.
This means that they do not stretch, and will not mould around the part of the body to which they are applied.

Non-conforming bandages do not stay on very well.
If you have both types of bandage in your first aid kit, it is best to use the conforming bandages first. 

Roller Bandages: Conforming Roller Bandage
Conforming bandages are designed to stretch.
This allows them to mould to the shape of the parts to which they are applied.

Conforming bandages can be used on their own to provide support to an injured joint or muscle.
They can also secure pads and dressings, when this is necessary to control bleeding.

Applying Roller Bandages
All roller bandages should be applied in the following manner.

        1.  Hold the bandage so that the head or rolled part is on top and the tail is pointing inward.

        2.  Pass the rolled part from hand to hand, allowing it to unroll as you go. Make sure that each turn overlaps the last by two thirds of its width.

        3.  Fasten the end with tape or tuck the end in and check that the bandage is not too tight. 

Improvising
There may be occasions where you need to give first aid to a sick or injured person but no first aid kit is available. 

If a kit is not available, you will need to improvise first aid equipment, by using whatever you can find.

For example, a broomstick or umbrella could be used to splint a fractured limb.
A couple of T-shirts could be used as padding around an injury. 

You should not let the absence of a first aid kit prevent you from offering first aid to a casualty. 

Improvising
If you needed to improvise a dressing for a person with a cut on their hand you would use a handkerchief. A clean handkerchief makes an excellent pad or dressing for small wounds.

If you needed to improvise a bandage you could use stockings. Clean pantyhose or stockings make excellent short bandages.

If you needed to improvise a splint for a suspected fractured arm you would use a newspaper. A newspaper makes a useful splint because when it is folded and creased it becomes quite solid and will support and immobilise a fracture very well.

If you needed to improvise a sling for a person with an injured upper arm you would use a belt. The belt would make an ideal sling because it will easily take the weight of the arm. Because it is fairly wide, it is also less likely to interfere with circulation.

TRIANGULAR BANDAGES

Triangular Bandages
A First Aid Kit will typically contain triangular bandages which are large, triangular pieces of material, with two sides about 1 metre long, and the third about 1.4 metres.

Triangular bandages can be used as:
· Collar & Cuff Sling
· St John Sling
· Full Arm Sling
· Broad Bandage
· Narrow Bandage
· Pad

Triangular bandages: Collar & Cuff Sling
The collar and cuff sling is useful for a casualty with a fracture of the upper arm or an injured hand.

Triangular bandages: St John Sling
The St John sling is useful for a casualty with an injured shoulder, collar bone, hand or fingers.

It is the best sling for shoulder and collarbone injuries because it supports the whole arm and takes the weight of the arm off the injured shoulder or collar bone. In the case of hand or finger injuries, it can be used to elevate the injured part.

Triangular bandages: Full Arm Sling
The full arm sling is used to support an injured forearm or wrist.

It is the best sling for these injuries because it forms a comfortable cradle which spreads the weight of the forearm evenly along its whole length. This prevents the damaged parts from pushing together or pulling apart as they would if the other slings were used.

Triangular bandages: Broad Bandage
A broad bandage is simply a triangular bandage which is folded and used to tie on splints and dressings.

First, you fold it in half, point to base.

Then you fold it in half again.

You now have a broad bandage.

Triangular bandage: Narrow Bandage
A narrow bandage has one more fold than the broad bandage and is mainly used for the collar & cuff sling.

First, you fold it in half, point to base.

Then you fold it in half again to make a broad bandage.

Then you fold it in half again.

You now have a narrow bandage.

Triangular bandage: Pad
If you do not have a sterile pad in your First Aid Kit, you can use a triangular bandage as a pad.

First, you fold it in half, point to base.

Then you fold it in half again to make a broad bandage.

Then you fold it in half again.

You now have a narrow bandage.

Then fold the two ends into the middle.

Now fold both ends into the middle again.

Fold what is left in half to make a pad.

When a triangular bandage is folded like this, it is easy to store it in a first aid kit.

head, knee, foot/hand bandages

Uses of Triangular bandage

Head bandage• Stand behind the casualty. Use a triangular bandage as a whole cloth with a narrow hem folded along the base. Place the centre of the base in the middle of the forehead, close to the eyebrows.
• Bring the point over the top of the head to cover the dressing, and down the back of the head, cross over the point, and around the head to the front. Tie the ends together, using a reef knot, low on the forehead.
• Steady the head with one hand, and gently pull the point down to put the desired amount of pressure on the dressing. Fold the point up toward the top of the head and secure it carefully with a safety pin or tuck it under the back crisscross.

Knee or elbow bandage• Use a triangular bandage as a whole cloth with a narrow hem folded along the base. Place the centre of the base on the leg below the kneecap with the point toward the top of the leg (or to bandage an elbow, on the forearm with the point toward the shoulder).
• Bring the ends around the joint, crossing over the point in front of the elbow or at the back of the knee.
• Bring the ends up and tie off over the point. Pull the point up to put the right amount of pressure on the dressing and then fold it down and secure it with a safety pin or tuck it under the knot.

Foot or hand bandage• Use a triangular bandage as a whole cloth. Place it on a flat surface with the point away from the casualty
• Place the foot or hand on the triangular bandage with the toes or fingers toward the point, leaving enough bandage at the ankle or wrist to fully cover the part. Bring the point up and over the foot or hand to rest on the lower leg or wrist.
• Bring the ends alongside the foot of hand and crisscross the folded ends up and around the ankle or wrist. Cross over the point and wrap any extra bandage before trying it off.
• Tie off over the point. If the point extends beyond the knot, pull it up to apply the desired pressure. Fold it downward and tuck under the knot.

roller bandages

Roller bandages – are usually made of gauze like material and are packages as a roll. They are used to hold dressings in place to secure splints.
• Roller bandages can be put on in a simple spiral. Start at the narrow part of the limb, anchor the bandage as directed
• Place the end of the bandage on a diagonal at the starting point
• Wrap the bandage around the injured part so the corner of the bandage end is left out
• Fold this corner of the bandage over and wrap the bandage around again to cover the corner. Keep wrapping the bandage, overlapping each turn by one quarter to one third of the bandage’s width. Make full-width overlaps wit the final two or three turns and secure with a safety pin, adhesive tape or by cutting and tying the bandage as shown. Check circulation below the bandage.

bandages -1

Roller & Triangular Bandage is applied:-

(a) To retain dressing and splints in position and to immobilize fractured limbs. Knots should never be tied over a fracture.
(b) To afford support to an injured part (e.g. sprained ankle) or in the form of a sling.
(c) To control bleeding.
(d) To reduce or prevent swelling.
(e) To assist in the lifting and carrying of casualties

Triangular bandages are made by cutting a piece of linen or calico, not less than thirty eight inches square, diagonally into two pieces, A triangular bandage has three borders. The longest is called the “base” and the other two the “side”. There are three corners; the upper one (opposite the base) is called “point” and the other the “ends” . The bandage may be applied:-

(a) As a whole cloth spread out to its full extend, e.g., chest bandage.
(b) As a broad bandage made by bringing the point down to the center of the base and then folding he bandage again in the same direction .
(c) As narrow bandage made by folding the broad bandage once again in the same direction .

It is sometimes advisable to halve the size of the triangular bandage by bringing the two ends together before folding it into the broad or narrow bandage.

To secure the ends of a bandage a reef knot must be used.

For the Shoulder:
Stand facing the casualty’s injured side and place the center of an open bandage on his shoulder, with the point running up the side of the neck. Fold the hem inwards along the base, carry the ends round the middle of the arm, cross and tie them on the outer side so as to secure the lower border of the bandage. Apply an arm sling. Turn down the point of the first bandage over the knot of the sling, draw it tight and pin it .

For the Elbow:
Bend the casualty’s elbow to a right angle. Fold to narrow bandage, hen inwards along the base of an open bandage. Lay the point on the back of the upper arm and the middle of the base on the back of the forearm; Cross the ends in front of the elbow, then round the upper arm and tie above the elbow . Bring the point down over the knot and elbow pin it. If it is not advisable to bend the elbow, a narrow or broad bandage should be used according to the needs of the case.

For the Hand:
place an open bandage under the palm the injury being uppermost with the point away from the casualty and the base of the bandage at the wrist. Bring the point over the hand to the wrist and after folding the hem inwards along the base of the bandage, pass the ends round the wrist, cross them and finally tie over the point . Bring the point over the knot and pin it to the bandage over the hand. After the application of a dressing and bandage for wounds of upper limb, a sling should support the limb.

For the Knee:

Bend the casualty’s knee to a right angle. Fold a narrow bandage hem inwards along the base of an open bandage. Lay the point on his thigh and the middle of the base below his knee; cross the ends behind his knee, then round his thigh and tie above his knee on the front of this thigh. Bring the point down over the knot and knee and pin it. If it is not advisable to bend the knee a narrow or broad bandage should be used according to the needs of the case .

For the Foot:
Place the casualty’s foot on the center of an open bandage, with his toes towards the point. Draw up the point over his instep, bring the ends forward so that his heel is covered and cross them; pass the ends round the ankle, cross at back and then tie them in form. Draw the point forward and pin it to the bandage over the instep.

what is a bandage

A bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device such as a dressing orsplint, or on its own to provide support to the body. Bandages are available in a wide range of types, from generic cloth strips, to specialised shaped bandages designed for a specific limb or part of the body, although bandages can often be improvised as the situation demands, using clothing, blankets or other material.

In common speech, the word “bandage” is often used to mean a dressing, which is used directly on a wound, whereas a bandage is technically only used to support a dressing, and not directly on a wound.

first aid for cuts & scratches

Things You’ll Need:

Water
Soap
Antibiotic cream
Adhesive bandage
Antiseptic (optional)

Step 1

First and foremost, know when to seek medical attention:

If your injury involves any of the following, contact a doctor:

The cut is deep
The cut is long. Long cuts are considered to be approximately 1 inch when on the hand or foot and 2 inches when elsewhere on the body.
The cut is jagged.
The injury involved a pet, especially a cat.
The injury involved a wild animal.
The injury is due to a bite, either human or animal.
The wound has debris stuck in it after cleansing.
The wound is bleeding heavily.
The wound will not stop bleeding after applying direct pressure for 10 minutes.
The injury is a puncture wound.

Also contact your doctor if you are overdue for a tetanus booster. For minor cuts, scratches and scrapes, be sure you have had at least three tetanus shots before the injury and you are within 10 years of your last booster. For more serious cuts, be sure you have had three tetanus shots before the injury and you are within 5 years of your last booster.

Step 2

First aid when very little bleeding is involved:

If a cut, scratch or scrape is minor and has very slight bleeding, the best first step is to clean the wound.

Rinse the cut, scratch or scrape under running cool to lukewarm water. If the cut is in an area too difficult to get under a faucet, fill a clean cup or bottle with water and pour it over the wound.

Use only mild soap, gently applied with a gauze pad or soft, clean cloth, when cleaning a cut, scratch or scrape. Be sure to remove all soap from the wound by rinsing thoroughly. Do not use strong soaps when providing first aid to a cuts, scratches or scrapes, as they can cause additional irritation to the injured area. Under no circumstances should you use strong cleansers or detergents, such as bleach, to clean your injury.

Step 3

First aid when there is bleeding involved:

If a cut is minor and bleeding a little more heavily, your first step is to apply direct pressure to aid the blood in clotting. Use gauze or a clean, soft cloth and apply firm, but gentle, pressure for several minutes. Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart whenever possible. If the blood begins to soak through the material, do not remove the gauze or cloth. Simply place another piece of gauze or cloth on top of the one you are currently holding and continue to apply pressure.

Cuts on the head, face and mouth usually bleed more heavily than minor cuts elsewhere on the body due to the large number of blood vessels contained in these areas. Do not be alarmed. Keep applying pressure until the bleeding stops.

Once the bleeding is under control, gently remove the cloth and begin cleansing the wound as outlined above. Bleeding may start again during the cleansing process. Use another clean cloth or gauze pad to apply pressure again when you are done cleaning the wound.

Step 4

First aid when debris is involved:

Many scrapes will have debris, such as gravel, sand or wood chips, embedded in them. Increase the strength of the stream of the cleansing water to dislodge as much debris as possible. Use a set of tweezers which have been thoroughly cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove any debris that remains at the surface. Do not dig for any deeply embedded items. Do not use brushes or rough washcloths, as doing so will cause more damage to the skin and increase the risk of infection. If you cannot remove all the debris, seek the help of a medical professional.

Step 5

First aid with an antiseptic:

Hydrogen peroxide or other antiseptics are not needed for all wounds. Cleaning a cut, scrape or scratch with hydrogen peroxide causes additional irritation to the injury and can potentially kill off healthy cells needed for healing. Thoroughly cleaning the wound as described above is usually enough. If the cut, scratch or scrape occurred in a very dirty place or while handling items such as raw meat, a little hydrogen peroxide during the initial cleaning may be warranted. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent continued irritation.

Step 6

First aid using adhesive bandages:

Opinions differ as to whether all cuts and scratches need to be bandaged. If the cut or scratch is in an area that will not become dirty, it is fine to leave it uncovered. Apply a topical antibiotic cream a couple times a day to keep it moist and fight infection.

If the cut or scratch is on an area that will easily become dirty (a hand or foot) or an area that will be irritated by clothing (a knee), apply an adhesive bandage or gauze and medical tape. Continue to use a bandage in these areas for 7 to 10 days, or until the injury is well healed.

Due to the fact scrapes dry out easily and can cause scarring, bandages are generally recommended for them. Extra large adhesive bandages are available in stores. You can also use sterile gauze and medical tape to cover the area.

Bandages hold in moisture, which aids in healing. This same moisture also provides the perfect breeding ground for any bacteria left in the wound. Always use a topical antibiotic cream when using a bandage. Change the bandage daily, or if it becomes wet or dirty. Reapply the antibiotic cream with each bandage change.

Step 7

Follow up to first aid:

Watch your cut, scratch or scrape for any sign of infection while it heals. Contact your doctor if you see any signs of infection or if the wound looks odd to you in any way. Signs of infection include:

Pain in the wound or in the surrounding area
Redness and warmth around the wound
Swelling in the area of the wound
Pus draining from the injury
Red streaks form around the injury
Fever

contents of first aid box

First Aid Kit Contents List
The first aid kit contents should consist of all the basic essentials needed to treat an injury. Prepare a first aid kit contents list and cross check it with a medical practitioner. Visit the local drug store and buy proper quantity of requirements according to the first aid kit contents list. The following first aid kits contents should be present in your kit.

Bar of soap
2-inch roller bandage
1-inch roller bandage
1-inch adhesive
3-by-3-inch sterile pads
Triangular bandage
Assorted gauze pads
Adhesive strips
Oral thermometer
Scissors
Tweezers
Sunburn lotion
Lip salve
Poison-ivy lotion
Small flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb)
Absorbent cotton
Iodine tablets
Safety pins
Needles
Paper cups
Foot powder
Instant ice packs
Insect repellent
Insect sting swabs
Matches
Oil of Cloves
Hot-water bottle
Alcohol wipes
Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen
Gloves
1 blanket (space blanket)
1 blanket (space blanket)
Antibiotic Cream
Antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
Antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
First aid instruction booklet
List of emergency phone numbers

aims of first aid

The key aims of first aid can be summarised in three key points:

Preserve life – the overriding aim of all medical care, including first aid, is to save lives
Prevent further harm – also sometimes called prevent the condition from worsening, this covers both external factors, such as moving a patient away from any cause of harm, and applying first aid techniques to prevent worsening of the condition, such as applying pressure to stop a bleed becoming dangerous.

Promote recovery – first aid also involves trying to start the recovery process from the illness or injury, and in some cases might involve completing a treatment, such as in the case of applying a plaster to a small wound

GENERAL RULES OF HEALTH & BP’S SIX EXERCISES

BP’s six exercises

I EXERCISE

For the Head: Rub the head and face, firmly over several times with the palms and fingers of both hands. Thumb the muscles of the neck and throat.

II EXERCISE

For the Chest: From upright position bend to the front, arms stretched downwards, with back of the hands together in front of the knees. Breathe out. Raise the hand gradually over the head and lean back as far as possible, drawing a deep breath through the nose as you do. Lower the arms gradually to the sides, breathing out the word “Thanks” through the mouth. Lastly, bend forward again, breathing out the last bit of breath in you, and saying the number of times you have done it in order to keep count.

Repeat this exercise 12 times.

III EXERCISE

For the Stomach: Standing upright, send out both arms, fingers extended, straight to the front, then slowly swing round to the right from the hips without moving the feet, and point the right arms as far round behind you as you can, keeping both arms level with, or a little higher than, the shoulders. Then, after a pause, swing slowly round as far as you can to the left. Breathe in when pointing to the left. “Body twisting”.

Breathe out when pointing to the right. Repeat six times, change the breathing to the other side and repeat six times.

IV EXERCISE

For the Trunk: This is also called the “Cone Exercise”. Standing at “Attention” position, raise both hands, as high as possible over the head, and link fingers. Lean backwards, and then sway the arms very slowly round in the direction of a cone, so that the hands make a wide circle above and around the body, the body turning from the hips, and leaning over one side. Then to the front, then to the other side, and then back.

After completing the circle, start in the opposite direction. Repeat six times both ways. Breathe in when leaning backward and breathe out when leaning forward.

V EXERCISE

For Lower Body and Back of Legs: Stand with feet slightly apart, touch your head with both hands and look up into the sky, leaning back as far as you can, and then bend forward and downward till your fingers touch your toes, without bending your knees.

Repeat 12 times.

VI EXERCISE

For Legs, Feet and Toes: Stand in ‘Attention’ position, put the hands on the hips, stand on tip-toe, turn the knees outwards, and bend them slowly down to a squatting position, keeping the heels off the ground the whole time. Then gradually raise the body and come to the first position again.

Repeat this 12 times. Breathe in as body rises and breathe out as the body sinks.

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Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Monday, April 15, 2019

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