Bandages are one of the most important and frequently used first aid supplies in any first aid kit. A bandage can give support, protect wounds, and assist in controlling bleeding and preventing wound infection. Choosing the right type of bandage for your specific medical situation can massively change the outcome of first aid treatment, in a positive or negative way. Within the UK, the HSE gives guidance on workplace first aid, as well as understanding what bandages should be used for first aid treatment that is appropriate, compliant, and effective.

What are the main types of bandages used in first aid?

There are quite a few different types of bandages used in the world of first aid, each made for a specific purpose. These can include, but are certainly not limited to, roller bandages, triangular bandages, tubular bandages, and conforming bandages. A bandage is far more than just covering a wound; as it could also be used for immobilisation, support, securing other dressings, or even temporarily applying pressure to control bleeding. Each type of bandage can give helpful advantages depending on the specific injury for use. Such as a conforming bandage being an excellent bandage for keeping dressings securely in place on contoured parts of the body, whereas a triangular bandage, on the other hand, can be converted into a sling to support a broken or fractured arm. One of the most commonly used bandages across multiple medical situations is a HSE large wound dressing, which can be used as a highly absorbent pad as well as a conforming bandage. 

Where did bandages come from?

The idea of bandaging injuries dates back thousands of years, with evidence of early wound dressings found in Ancient Egyptian texts, such as the Edwin Smith Papyrus. Over centuries of innovation, techniques for bandaging as well as materials used have evolved massively. Whereas Ancient Egyptians may have used traditional linen, later generations including ours have replaced these bandages with sterile, breathable, high quality materials. Modern wound care, and the great minds behind centuries of learning and adapting, have led to the now having the development of specialised bandages for specific wounds, such as cohesive and adhesive bandages that can stick to themselves or to the skin without the need for pins or clips to hold them over a wound.

Nowadays, bandages are made with a high level of comfort, safety, and compliance in mind. In the UK, most bandages are packaged individually to reduce contamination, and they must be compliant with strict manufacturing standards such as CE marking and BS 8599 compliance.

How do I apply a bandage correctly?

How to apply a bandage completely depends on the type of injury and the body part that is injured. The main focus of bandaging an injury is not solely to protect the wound or injury but also to help stabilise it and to promote natural healing. Bad or incorrect bandaging techniques can restrict blood flow to an injury, worsen an injury, or even increase the risk of infection. For example, bandaging a wound on the upper leg will differ massively from bandaging a hand, where joints as well as dexterity still need to be available for movement.

Generally, a bandage under any circumstance or for any injury should be applied using clean hands or gloves. They are typically started from below the wound, and wrapping upward to encourage blood flow. The bandage should fit snug but not too tight, and any signs of numbness, discolouration, or tingling within the limb should indicate a sign for immediate removal and re-evaluation of the bandage. To support learning the best practice for bandage uses, a training bandage can be a very helpful tool.

When should you use specific bandage types?

Different types of injuries require different types of bandages, and knowing when to use each is key. Triangular bandages, for example, are commonly used to form a sling that can stabilise fractures, breaks or sprains in an arm. Tubular bandages are a good choice for finger injuries or joints that need very light compression and still allow a good level of movement. If you are wondering how to bandage a hand after a cut or a burn, a sterile dressing bandage secured with a conforming wrap is commonly the most appropriate option.

For compression or immobilisation on a joint or over a wound, a crepe bandage can give both excellent elasticity and support. A crepe bandage is a highly trusted item in first aid kits for sports injuries or soft tissue injuries. The highly breathable cotton allows for good comfort while giving firm support to ankles, knees, or wrists.

In high-risk workplaces, for example, construction or industrial environments, the quick application of pressure is very important in severe blood loss emergencies. For this, a trauma bandage, typically found in a bleed kit, is an excellent solution, as it can give instant haemorrhage control with inbuilt pressure applicators, making it highly suitable for severe injuries until further medical assistance arrives at the scene.

Why is specific bandage selection important in UK workplaces?

The correct selection and use of first aid bandages, in UK workplaces, is mandated by legal obligations under the Health and Safety Regulations 1981. These regulations mandate that workplace employers make sure the appropriate first aid supplies and equipment is stored and well-kept. Keeping a wide range of useful and important bandage types in your first aid kit can support compliance with BS 8599-1:2019, which specifies the first aid contents for small, medium, and large workplace first aid kits.

Employers should also analyse all workplace risks, to know what kind of bandages should be stored and where, as well as to make sure that staff are trained in how to apply a bandage effectively and accurately. Keeping a good stock of the appropriate bandages, slings, and compression bandages can make a massive difference in the response time between gaining an injury and medical treatment. A well-kept first aid kit that includes multiple bandage types helps a workplace to meet both legal responsibilities and requirements, and moreover keep the best first aid practice standards in sectors such as manufacturing, hospitality, and education.

The right bandage can change everything

Bandages are more than just a regular item in a first aid kit; bandages are crucial tools for injury management. Having the knowledge of which bandage types to use and how to apply them accurately and effectively can prevent infections, reduce pain, and speed up the natural recovery process. In emergency medical scenarios, the correct bandage can be the difference between a minor injury and a serious medical situation. Whether you are preparing a workplace, stocking a school first aid room, or learning how to correctly bandage a wound at home, the knowledge and bandages you carry with you are truly important. In the world of first aid, the correct bandage doesn’t just cover an injury; it can protect, support, and in many cases, it can help save lives.