How to Apply a Band-Aid

No first-aid kit is complete without a few adhesive bandages. This type of bandage has a soft, sterile pad in the center to cover and protect the wound and adhesive wings that enable the bandage to be attached easily to the skin. Band-Aid brand bandages have been produced by Johnson & Johnson Co. since the early 1920s. Inspired by an employee's injury prone wife, Band-Aid brand created a readily available form of wound care.

Things You'll Need

• Sterile gauze
• Antibiotic ointment
• Sterile saline solution

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Instructions

• 1

  Rinse the wound with sterile saline solution, flushing out any dirt or debris. Dirt or debris that is left behind will impede the healing process.

• 2

  Place sterile gauze over the wound and apply light pressure to slow the bleeding. Contact emergency personnel immediately if the blood is spurting or if bleeding is not slowed by direct pressure.

• 3

  Apply a dollop of antibiotic ointment to the injured area. Antibiotic ointment kills bacteria within the wound, helping to prevent infection.

• 4

  Dry the skin surrounding the wound with a clean towel. The adhesive material of the Band-Aid will not stick to wet surfaces.

• 5

  Select the appropriate size Band-Aid to cover the wound. Specially shaped Band-Aids are produced to accommodate awkward areas such as fingers, toes and faces.

• 6

  Remove the Band-Aid from the container. Locate the split ends of the wrapper. Peel back the wrapper by gripping each side and pulling apart.

• 7

  Peel the protective backing off the Band-Aid. Be careful not to touch the sterile pad in the center of the bandage.

• 8

  Grasp the Band-Aid at each end. Place the bandage over the wound following any natural body curves.Gently press the edges of the Band-Aid to ensure that the adhesive is secured to the skin.