First Aid - When Disaster Strikes - page 105

Figure 5-11. Heimlich maneuver.
Bandages and Dressings
Dressings are typically sterile, gauze-covered cotton pads placed directly on wounds to stop
bleeding and to keep the wounds clean. They often have a shiny protective coating on one side
to keep the dressing from sticking to the wound and to facilitate daily dressing changes. Do not
touch the surface of sterile dressings before applying to wounds. Roll bandages are usually
made from gauze, crepe, or stretch material (Ace bandage). Bandages can be improvised from
any clean cloth material, such as sheets or clothing. Large triangular bandages, with short legs
of one yard or more, are versatile. Use large triangular bandages for arm slings, head wounds,