First Aid: Bandaging

Covering a break in the skin helps to control bleeding and protect against infection. Dressings are pads of gauze or cloth that can be placed directly against the wound to absorb blood and other fluids. Cloth bandages cover dressings and hold them in place.

Step 1. Dress the wound

Put on gloves or use other protection to prevent contact with the victim's blood.
Clean the wound with mild soap and water.
Apply a small layer of topical antibiotic if desired.
Place a clean dressing over the entire wound. Gauze dressings let in air for faster healing. Nonstick dressings have a special surface that won't cling to the wound.
If blood soaks through the dressing, place another dressing over the first one.

Gloved hand cleaning wound on forearm with soap and water. Gloved hands placing bandage on wound on forearm.

Step 2. Cover the bandage

Wrap roller gauze or cloth strips over the dressing and around the wound several times.
Extend the bandage at least an inch beyond both sides of the dressing.
Don't wrap the bandage so tight that it interferes with blood flow to healthy tissue.

Gloved hand securing bandage on forearm with tape.

Step 3. Secure the bandage

Tie or tape the bandage in place.
Don't secure the bandage so tight that fingers or toes become pale or blue.

Step 4. Check circulation

Check circulation in the area below the bandage after several minutes and again after several hours. If circulation is poor, the skin may look pale or blue or feel cold. Signs of poor circulation also include numbness and tingling.
If circulation is reduced, loosen the bandage right away. If symptoms continue, get medical care.