Wound dressing can be quite a hard task to achieve. Mostly, because you want to do it right the first time. After all, this is necessary to do in first aid.
You can gain the confidence to dress any kind of physical wound. Here is an article that will teach you the 3 layers of a wound dressing.
Also included, is additional information that will help you in other wound dressing situations. It will help you gain an understanding of how they work as well.
Essential Wound Dressing Knowledge
Whenever you see a wound, or whenever this type of incident happens, it means that the skin has been damaged or opened up.
This leads to blood seeping out of the skin’s surface, which can be deadly if the wound is large.
If the wound is not large, it can still be just as harmful, because bacteria or viruses are able to enter the body and lead to infection.
When dressing a wound, there are three things that you need to know and do.
Layer #1: Sterile Pad
This is the first layer of dressing. Place the sterile pad directly onto the damaged area to cover it from exposure to the environment. This initial layer stops blood from coming out and bacteria or viruses from going in.
The sterile pad is the layer that touches the skin directly. Therefore, it has to be the cleanest.
Furthermore, the sterile pad should be non-stick so that it can cover the wound without adhering to it and re-opening the wound when removed.
Layer #2: Absorbent Gauze
The absorbent gauze is the second layer of dressing. As the name implies, this dressing absorbs or soaks in excess fluids, such as blood or pus.
Depending on the severity of the wound and how much blood has already poured out, the sterile pad may not be enough to keep the fluids from coming out.
So, the absorbent gauze is used for this very purpose.
The materials of these gauze pads can come in silk, wool, or cotton and its thickness varies, based on the brand.
Applying a gauze will also add comfort to the individual due to its soft materials.
Layer #3: Bandage
Finally, the third and final layer of any dressing is the bandage. The bandage’s purpose is to hold the first two layers together and to prevent further bleeding, as well as limit infections.
Although all layers have an important role to play in dressing wounds, the bandage is ultimately the most important.
Wrap it tightly enough. If not, the first two layers will not hold and eventually come off.
It is better to be a little too tight than too lose when it comes to bandaging.
However, you still want to avoid making the bandage too tight to prevent discomfort to the individual which might lead to restricting the blood flow to the area, which is needed to nourish the damaged cells.
Additional Wound Dressing Information
Besides learning about the three layers of dressing for wounds, you also want to be aware of the wounds themselves or other items that you can use.
Being prepared for any situation or circumstance is a mark of a good first aider.
Gaping Wounds
A gaping wound is skin that’s been severely damaged. This is the stage where the skin is fully opened or cut and the underlying tissues or organs are visible.
Knife wounds are very common causes that result in gaping wounds.
When dealing with this type of wound, the most important thing other than dressing, is to keep the wound as clean as possible.
Obviously, if the body parts are, for example, sticking out, then the risk of infection is even higher.
Steri-Strip
Steri-strips are fantastic first aid items to add to your collection along with dressings. They come in different lengths and widths, so it would be wise to collect different kinds to be prepared for any type of wound.
These are strips of cloth that are highly durable and sticky to close the gap of an open wound.
They are placed perpendicular to each other and are used to bring the two separate skin edges together.
Doing this not only closes the gap, but also promotes healing of the wound quicker. These are perfect items if dressings are not available.
Unfortunately, steri-strips cannot hold large wounds together. They are only meant for small cuts.
The best solution to suture a large wound is to just wait and apply what first aid tools you have at hand, until higher medical aid arrives .
Conclusion
These important facts about dressings and wounds will equip you with the knowledge and ability to help people in need.
Remembering the 3 layers of wound dressing and how they work will certainly give you the ability to utilize their specific purposes in their time of need.
