The following provides insight into the various areas or procedures of application, functions, effects, and goals of the pressure dressing. In addition, its risks and side effects, as well as dangers are discussed.
What is a pressure bandage?
A pressure bandage is a dressing that uses compressions to fit tightly to the part of the body being treated and is essential in stopping bleeding. A pressure dressing is a bandage that is applied firmly to the part of the body to be treated by means of compressions and contributes significantly to stopping bleeding. In most cases, the application of a pressure bandage takes the form of a first aid measure and is intended to temporarily treat heavily bleeding areas, as excessive blood loss can lead to life-threatening shock or even death. The term “pressure bandage” was first introduced by Johann Georg Heine, a German orthopedist. Since 1811, this bandaging technique introduced by him has been one of the most important first aid measures and should, in the best case, be mastered by every first aider.
Function, effect and goals
Basically, all limbs are suitable for a pressure bandage, which can be wrapped tightly and tightly with a gauze bandage (ostensibly extremities). In the case of smaller body parts, care should be taken to ensure that a larger area is wrapped so that the pressure required to stop bleeding is guaranteed (in the case of an injury to the ear, for example, wrap the entire head). Alternatively, another assistant or the patient him/herself, if possible, can try to apply the necessary pressure by hand. When applying a pressure bandage, it is important to keep the affected body part elevated; usually, bleeding is already inhibited somewhat during this step. Then, the sterile pad of gauze bandage is pressed directly onto the wound and wrapped around the bleeding area in two circles. Various types of bandages for first aid. Click to enlarge. Download here to print. To create sufficient pressure, a bandage packet (if available, alternatively a packet of tissues or similar) is wrapped in the next tours. This is used as a pressure object and is applied to the bleeding stele with light pressure so that hemostasis can be achieved with it. Once the bandage is applied, the affected body part can subsequently be removed. The pressure bandage differs from a conventional tightly wrapped bandage primarily in that it has a pressure cushion. This cushion is particularly useful when wrapping arms and legs, as it creates the necessary pressure to stop the bleeding and at the same time counteracts ligature or strangulation of the limbs. It also ensures an adequate blood supply to the treated limb, which is enormously important in order not to cause lasting damage to the body part. Used in the form of a quick “first aid”, the dressing, as already explained, is able to stop the bleeding of wounds, protect against bacteria and impurities and thus prevent wound infection. Moreover, it keeps the wound edges together even during movement and ensures more aesthetic scarring. If a doctor is needed, the first aider should always check the vital functions of the victim and examine him for shock or hypothermia until he arrives. It is also a good idea to check the pressure dressing at regular intervals.
Risks, side effects and hazards
Since the pressure bandage is very simple in use and benefit, it is possible even for a layman to apply a pressure bandage in simple steps. It is important to assess the situation correctly and to decide quickly and routinely. Nevertheless, one should be aware of some risks related to the pressure bandage. Although the name “pressure” bandage signals that sufficient pressure must be applied to the wound to stop bleeding, care should still be taken not to tie off the limb and thus undersupply the body part. In addition, another side effect may be that the wound may bleed through the dressing. In such a case, a second dressing should be applied and the pressure increased slightly if necessary. The choice of pressure pad can also prove to be treacherous. If very absorbent material is used for the pad, it may fill with blood and be difficult to remove from the wound later.It is also important to take care to be germ-free according to the circumstance and also to protect yourself possibly by rubber disposable gloves (if available) to prevent pathogens such as hepatitis or HIV.
