The importance of bandages and emergency pressure dressings

Shallow cuts, scrapes, and abrasions may be minor in the realm of workplace injuries, but they should
be tended to immediately. A well-stocked first aid kit is important to have on hand so that workers can
treat their wounds in a timely manner. They also help ensure that minor injuries do not become
infected. Employers should be sure to make first aid kits available at any workplace.
Most minor injuries only require an adhesive bandage, such as a Band-Aid, or a small amount of
gauze and tape. Bandages come in many varieties, and the appropriate should be used depending on the
nature of the wound and the environment where a staff member works. There are waterproof adhesive
bandages, ones made from flexible woven fabric, sheer strips, and heavyweight bandages for maximum
strength that will not tear.
Larger wounds that can't be treated with a bandage and need more absorbency require an emergency
pressure dressing. This type of first aid product is made from high-absorbency fabric or gauze. It
should be applied with a great deal of pressure and wrapped tightly with a bandage roll.
In addition to emergency pressure dressings, some cuts and lacerations can be treated with alternative
supplies. Steri-Strips and butterfly bandages are very small pieces of medical tape that can be used to
bring the edges of a wound together to keep it closed and help reduce bleeding.
Severe wounds require medical attention. A doctor or medial professional should be called if:
The edges of the wound are jagged
The wound is on the face
The edges of the wound gape open
There is dirt in the wound that won't wash or rinse out
The wound is draining pus
The wound is tender and inflamed
The area around the wound has gone numb
Red streaks are forming near the wound
Bleeding is profuse and won't stop in 20 minutes
For wounds that can be treated on-site, keeping first aid supplies in one central location, or multiple
locations in larger facilities, is the basis for an effective and useful first aid program. Workers should
be trained to know where these items are kept so that if an injury occurs, they will be able to quickly
find and properly use bandages, Band-Aids, emergency pressure dressings, Steri-Strips, butterfly
bandages, and other items. This knowledge, as well as the proper protocol for severe wounds, is
essential to maintaining a sound and safe workplace.
The importance of learning first aid
Almost every day we hear that people are injured in various situations, especially traffic accidents. If
you work with other people, have children or spend time participating in sports or other hobbies, these
could result in injuries of various types. You never know when someone might get injured, and
knowing what to do can save a person's life. The first few minutes after an injury or medical emergency
are the most crucial to determine the rate and duration of recovery.
First-aid training in schools must be a compulsory part of the curriculum forming part of Personal,
Social and Health Education (PSE). It plays an important part in preventative health education or even
death.
One of the common causes of injury in young drivers is over-speeding. When an injury does takes
place, whether it is to ourselves or a fellow employee, knowing what to do and being able to react
quickly can reduce complications after serious injuries. Learning first aid will enable students to think
about the potential consequences of their actions as well as teaching them how to respond in an
emergency.
Students should be instructed as regards life-supporting skills which include choking, bleeding,
fractures, shock, drowning, electrocution, spinal injuries, burns and scalds etc. They should be taught
and made to practise how to put a person in the recovery position, how to perform CPR and how to use
an AED (automated external defibrillator).
From my experience, since I have been teaching for many years, most of the people do not know what
first aid is. This year I have saved at least two Maltese footballers from dying and treated many injuries
because at the weekends I am a qualified first aider with the Malta Football Association. There are two
types of education. One should learn how to make a living and the other how to live.
Education is an important tool that contributes to several aspects of a person's life. Society usually says
that the more educated one is, the better one will be. Learning first aid is a useful skill but one needs to
have knowledge, proper training and experience to sa
 Why Proper Bandaging Techniques are
Important
by Dun Rite Stock and Stables on 01/04/14
Bandaging is an important skill every equestrian should master. Here are a few reasons why it is so
important and basics to remember before applying a bandage.
Bandages provide support for your horse while they are working, traveling, resting or recovering from
an injury. Bandages support the tendons and ligaments during exercise. Correctly applied bandages can
also reduce leg swelling.

Before applying leg wraps ensure that you remove dirt and debris. Start with clean, dry legs and
bandages. Always allow your horse time to adjust to leg bandages before trailering, riding or leaving
them alone in a stall. Most horses will usually adjust to front leg wraps quickly. Often having their hind
legs wrapped can take more time for them to adjust too.

Practicing wrapping legs is important to prevent injury to the horse which can include; discomfort,
restricted blood flow and damaged tendons.