Knowing how to apply a first aid dressing correctly is an essential skill that is taught in first aid courses. Properly dressing and bandaging a wound helps to control bleeding, absorb blood and discharge, and protect the wound from infection.
What is a first aid dressing?
A first aid dressing is a sterile, absorbent pad that is applied directly to an open wound and secured in place by a bandage or adhesive strip. A first aid dressing serves three purposes:
- Controls bleeding: Using a first aid dressing to apply direct, firm pressure to a wound can help to stop or control bleeding. Using a pressure bandage to firmly secure a first aid dressing in place can also assist with bleeding control.
- Guards against infection: Sterile first aid dressings protect wounds from infection by acting as a barrier against dirt, germs, viruses, and bacteria.
- Absorbs blood and discharge: By absorbing blood and discharge from wounds, first aid dressings assist with hygiene and prevent a casualty’s blood from contaminating clothing, surfaces, or other people.
How to apply a first aid dressing
- Wear gloves: Always wear gloves when touching a casualty or treating a wound to protect both yourself and the casualty against infection.
- Choose the correct size first aid dressing: First aid dressings come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so ensure that you select the correct size for the wound in question. The dressing should be large enough to completely cover the wound area, with a small margin overlapping the edges of the wound.
- Open the dressing packaging: Wearing gloves, open the first aid dressing packaging, being careful not to contaminate the sterile dressing.
- Clean the wound: Gently wipe away any dirt, blood, or foreign material from and around the wound using sterile gauze squares. Use clean water or a diluted antiseptic solution to irrigate and clean the wound. Gently pat dry the skin surrounding the wound. You can also consider applying an antiseptic cream.
- Apply the first aid dressing: Cover the entire wound with the first aid dressing and secure it in place by wrapping the bandage (roll bandage, conform bandage, or any other available bandage) over and around the wound.
- Secure the bandage in place: Tie the ends of the bandage together in a knot to secure the dressing in place.
- Check circulation: A bandage should not be so tight that it cuts off circulation to the rest of the limb. Check the casualty’s circulation by pressing the skin beyond the bandage. If the skin’s colour does not return within two seconds, the bandage may be too tight.
How to stop or control bleeding
Follow these steps to control or stop bleeding:
- Apply direct pressure: Using a thick or bulky first aid dressing, or a clean cloth, towel, or other material, apply firm, uninterrupted pressure directly to the wound to stop or slow bleeding. You must apply continuous direct pressure for at least three minutes, or the wound may start bleeding again. If three minutes is not long enough, then apply further pressure for a longer period, such as five minutes.
- Apply a pressure bandage: Do not remove the initial first aid dressing or material applied to the wound, as doing so could dislodge clots and cause bleeding to resume. Apply a new bandage or field dressing over the initial first aid dressing used. Wrap and tie the pressure bandage tightly, but not so tight that it stops blood flow completely – check the casualty’s circulation beyond the site of the wound by pressing the skin. If the skin’s colour does not return within two seconds, loosen the bandage slightly. A crepe bandage is also a good bandage to use as it is elastic in nature and applies automatic pressure to the wound.
- Elevate the limb: While you continue to apply direct pressure to the wound, elevate the bleeding limb. If the limb is fractured, splint and stabilise the fracture before elevating the limb.
- Use air splints: Air splints can be used to control bleeding, as they apply pressure and reduce blood flow to the limb.
Different types of dressings
First aid dressings come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. Bulkier dressings are useful for controlling bleeding as they enable the First Aider to apply firm pressure to wounds, while lighter, thinner dressings are ideal for dressing minor wounds. Gauze squares are mainly used for cleaning wounds but can be used as wound dressings if necessary. Plasters can also be used to cover small wounds and are a very effective means of keeping wounds clean. Many first aid dressings found in first aid kits come already attached to a bandage. Loose dressings need to be secured using a separate roller bandage or medical tape.
Can first aid dressings expire?
First aid dressings and bandages generally do not expire unless they are marked as sterile packaging. Old packaging can become compromised, which means that sterility is no longer guaranteed. Expired adhesive plasters can lose their stickiness and become useless.
Are first aid dressings included in a Regulation 7 first aid kit?
Yes, a Regulation 7 first aid kit contains everything you need to apply a first aid dressing safely and effectively, including:
- Disposable latex gloves
- Wound cleaner/antiseptic
- Swabs for cleaning wounds
- Cotton wool for padding
- Sterile gauze
- Scissors
- Triangular bandages
- Roller bandages
- Elastic adhesive
- Non-allergenic adhesive strip
- Adhesive dressing strips
- First aid dressings (75 mm x 100 mm)
- First aid dressings (150 mm x 200 mm)
- Blood spill kit (it’s advisable to include this item)
(Note that the above is not a complete list of the contents of a Regulation 7 first aid kit. See our complete first aid kit checklist here.)
Get hands-on practice applying first aid dressings in an accredited first aid course.
When it comes to properly applying a first aid dressing, relying on theory alone isn’t enough. Our first aid courses include a blend of classroom learning and practical exercises so that you walk away with essential first aid skills, hands-on experience, and the confidence to deal with a range of injuries and medical emergencies.
View our first aid courses here or contact us to find out which course is right for you.
