How to Use Compression Bandages

Compression bandages are key elements in any first aid kit, used for sprains and strains, or even cracked or broken ribs. Compression bandages are also used to apply pressure to aid in the dressing of a bleeding or open wound, or as tourniquets to stop the flow of blood from an artery. While there are varieties of compression bandages, including some that are self-sticking, the usual type is simply an elastic bandage, sometimes used with gauze.

Things You'll Need

• Elastic bandage
• Medical tape
• Medical gauze

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Instructions

For Strains and Sprains

• 1

  Hold the bandage roll so that it rolls easily as you wrap the injury. If the sprain or strain is in a joint, position the joint at a right angle, if possible.

• 2

  Wrap the bandage around the joint, unrolling evenly, and provide firm support without it being too tight or restricting movement. Wrap with a figure 8 configuration, which works well for most joint injuries. For instance, with an ankle, wrap around the front of ankle around to the back and return to the front. Then wrap from underneath the foot to the inside and back behind the ankle. Do this a few times, then wrap from underneath the foot up to the outside of the foot, and behind the ankle and back to the front. Secure the bandage with medical tape or tuck in the loose end.

• 3

  Apply a second bandage over the first, in the opposite direction, for best results. If the area feels like it's throbbing once wrapped, it must be redone more loosely.

For Bleeding Wounds or as Tourniquets

• 4

  Roll the gauze into a cylinder shape or fold it into a wad, and place this over the bleeding wound as a dressing.

• 5

  Wrap the bandage over the gauze and around the limb, for example, a few times until it is tight enough to stem any flow of blood, but not so tight that it restricts all blood flow and the end of the limb becomes numb. Secure it with the medical tape.

• 6

  Wrap the bandage as a tourniquet for a bleeding artery. Apply the gauze, and wrap the bandage tightly around the limb several times, covering the wound itself and an inch or two on either side. Leave the last few loops slightly loose, and insert a straight object (like a stick or pencil) between the loops. Turn the object to tighten or loosen the bandage (like a faucet). Tighten for more pressure if the wound is bleeding severely to help stop the flow of blood.