CONTENTS

First Aid Kits

Bandages

Dressings

Pads

Triangular bandages

The Reef Knot

First Aid Kits

Yours first aid kit contains items such as:

• bandages

• dressings

• slings

• scissors

• safety pins

However,you will sometimes have to use whatever material you can find.

Bandages

These are used to:

• control bleeding

• keep dressings in position

• give supports and pain relief

• restrict movement

• immobilize fractures.usually with the aid of splints.

Dressings

Dressings should be:

• sterile or clean

• non-stick

They may be made from a singles square of clean cloth.They are used to:

• control bleeding

• protect wounds

• minimize swelling

• prevent infection

• ease pain

Pads

Pads are applied over a dressing for firect pressure.A folder triangular bandage may be used.

Triangular bandages

Triangular bandages can be used as dressings,pads,padding or slings.If used to bandage a wound,they should be secured with a reef knot.They can be made by cutting a one metre square piece of cloth into two diagonal pieces.To fold a triangular bandage as a pad:

• fold in half ,i.e. point to base
• fold in half again to make a broad bandage
• fold in half again to make a narrow bandage
• fold ends to middle
• repeat fold what is left in half to make a pad This may be easily packed away in your first aid kit.

The Reef Knot

Use a reef knot to secure bandages and slings because:

• it will to come undone easily by itself
• it is flat and will not dig into wounds
• it will not come undone easily undone by anyone managing the casualty.