LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the uses and application procedures for dressings and bandages.

There are many different types of dressings and bandages. You should be familiar with the various standard dressings and bandages, their respective functions, and their proper application in first-aid and emergency situations.

DEFINITION OF A DRESSING
A dressing is a sterile pad or compress (usually made of gauze or cotton wrapped in gauze) used to cover wounds to control bleeding and/or prevent further contamination. Dressings should be large enough to cover the entire area of the wound and to extend at least 1" in every direction beyond the edges. If the dressing is not large enough, the edges of the wound are almost certain to become contaminated. Figure 3-1 shows several commonly used styles of dressings.

Any part of a dressing that is to come in direct contact with a wound should be absolutely sterile (that is, free from microorganisms). The dressings that you will find in first aid kits have been sterilized. However, if you touch them with your fingers, your clothes, or any other unsterile object, they are no longer sterile. If you drag a dressing across the victim's skin or allow it

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FOR AMBULANCES EMT-BASIC LEVEL

Table 3-1.-Essential Equipment for Ambulance ETM-Basic Level

to slip after it is in place, the dressing is no longer sterile.

Should an emergency arise when a sterile dressing is not available, the cleanest cloth at hand may be used-a freshly laundered handkerchief, towel, or shirt, for instance. Unfold these materials carefully so that you do not touch the part that goes next to the skin. Always be ready to improvise when necessary, but never put materials directly in contact with wounds if those materials are likely to stick to the wound, leave lint, or be difficult to remove.