How to Apply a Pressure Bandage

You never know when an injury will occur. You must know how to apply a pressure bandage, for that very reason. A fall, cut, snakebite or other injury may cause bleeding that requires a pressure bandage. You must be able to react quickly to such a situation. Read on to learn how to apply a pressure bandage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gauze
• Bandages
• Tape

1. Place a loose clump of gauze over the injured area. Apply direct pressure with your hand over the injury to stop the bleeding.
2. Maintain pressure for five to 10 minutes before applying further bandaging. Have the patient hold the bandage and apply pressure themselves, if possible.
3. Determine if a fracture has occurred. If there is a fracture, you must put a splint on a fractured limb.
4. Elevate the injured limb above the patient's heart, while applying pressure. The elevation must be 8 to 12 inches.
5. Wrap more of the gauze around the lump of dressing used as a pressure bandage. Start on the side further away and wrap toward you. Continue to wrap the gauze about 6 inches above and below the wound. Apply tape to hold each end of the wrap.
6. Ensure that the area above and below the dressing is warm, feels OK to the patient and has a pulse. Continue to keep track of these things until you are sure the patient is out of danger.
7. Strengthen the wrapping by adding more gauze, if you note more blood seeping through. Do not remove the original dressing. Get medical attention immediately if the wound continues to bleed profusely.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrapping the bandage in a figure eight pattern adds strength. Pull the bandage out, twist the bandage and continue wrapping.
• Never apply a pressure bandage to an eye or skull injury.