Importance of Bandaging an Open Wound

Children get all kinds of scrapes and cuts as a part of their growing up, so it is important to know how to prevent them from getting an infection from those injuries. That's where bandages come into play.

Definition

Any injury to soft tissues is called a wound. An open wound is when the surface of the skin is broken. Examples of wounds are scrapes, cuts and punctures.

Procedure

Thoroughly clean the wound. If necessary, apply pressure to stop bleeding. Put a sterile dressing on the wound. Use gauze to wrap around the wound, then tie the knot over it.

Types of Coverings

Dressings and bandages cover open wounds. Dressings are sterile pads and bandages are “any material used to wrap any part of the body,” as stated by the American Red Cross in its Community First Aid and Safety handbook.

Prevention

Open wounds need bandaging to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an infection of a wound are redness, swelling and pain.

References

• "American Red Cross Community First Aid and Safety;" American Red Cross; 1993
• American Safety & Health Institute: Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace