Training in first aid for civil defence purposes / issued by the Ministry of Home Security in conjunction with the Ministry of Health.

Date:: 1942

Credit: Training in first aid for civil defence purposes / issued by the Ministry of Home Security in conjunction with the Ministry of Health. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$PART II—FIRST AID CHAPTER VI. 11. PRINCIPLES OF BANDAGING; THE USE OF THE TRIANGULAR BANDAGE Triangular bandages are most useful articles of first aid equipment. They — may be used to keep splints (or dressings) in position; to afford support to an injured part, as arm slings, or to secure a fractured limb to its opposite fellow or to the trunk; to make pressure, as when used in the treatment of bleeding, or to reduce or prevent swelling (as in a sprained ankle). There are also other types of bandage (roller bandages and special bandages) which will not normally be used by parties. The Triangular Bandage Pieces of calico or linen, usually 40 in. square, are cut from corner to corner. Each half forms a triangular bandage. The longest edge is called the lower border, the two others the side borders. The upper corner opposite the lower border is called the point, the other two corners are called the ends. To fold a triangular bandage for packing :— Fold it vertically down the middle, placing the ends of its lower border together. Bring the point, and the two ends, to the middle of the lower border. This forms a square. Fold the square in half from right to left and again in half twice. Triangular bandages can be used in the following ways :—_ (1) As ae whole-cloth,” ie. unfolded, the triangle being spread out to its full extent. (2) As a “broad-fold” bandage. Carry the point (the angle opposite the longest edge) to the middle of the longest edge opposite, and then fold the bandage again in the same direction. 3 (3).As a “‘narrow-fold’’ bandage. Fold a broad-fold once, long edge to long edge. Bandages can be secured by tying (using a reef knot) or in certain cases by pinning. _ Triangular bandages should be secured by reef aoe Granny Knots should be avoided. To tie a reef knot, take one end a the bandage in each hand, pass the end in the right hand over that in the left and tie a single knot, then pass the end in the left hand over that in the right and complete the Knot. The-ends ° when pulled tight will be parallel with the turns of the bandage. The rule for tying a reef knot is, “ Right over left, left over right.” For securing splints the triangular bandages may be used broad or narrow fold as convenient. Either of the following methods may be used :— (1) After adjusting the splints to the limb, place the centre of the bandage over the outer splint, then pass the ends round the limb, cross them on the inside and tie on the outside, over the splint. (2) Double the bandage lengthways on itself. Place the loop upon the outer splint, carry the ends round the limb from without inwards, and | pass both ends through the loop in opposite directions. Tighten the bandage by drawing on the two ends, and tie over splint. As improvisations in place of triangular bandages, scarves (e.g. Boy Scouts’ scarves) or pieces of cloth can be used; and ties, braces, straps, belts or lengths$