Roller bandages commonly have the following dimensions: Finger, 1 yd. by ¾ in.; arm, 3-6 yd. by 2½ in.; leg, 6-8 yd. by 3 in.; chest, 8-12 yd. by 4-5 in.; head, 4-6 yd. by 2½ in. To roll one of these bandages, first fold one end 2 or 3 times, as tightly as you can, making it into a small roll; take hold of this by the fingers of both hands, both thumbs being placed on the top of it, the rest of the bandage being held by another person, who keeps it moderately strained; by alternate movement of the thumbs make the roll revolve on its own axis, the fingers at the same time holding it in position between the hands; fasten the end by a stitch or pin, to prevent unrolling.
112. 113. Simple Spiral Bandage. 114. Reversed Spiral Bandage.
Roller bandages are applied in 3 different ways: (1) simple spiral, (2) reverse or recurrent, (3) crucial or figure-of-8. When first applying the bandage, leave the end a little long, so that when the first turn is made, by laying this end under, and bandaging over it again, it is prevented from slipping. The application of the simple spiral is shown in Figs. 112, 113, each turn overlapping the preceding one to the extent of about ⅔rds the width of the bandage. This simple spiral is generally replaced by the reverse spiral, Fig. 114, which differs from it in that the bandage is turned back upon itself each time it is carried round the limb; it is not easily learnt, and requires practice before it can be done well; the thumb or forefinger of the hand not holding the bandage should be laid upon the limb at the point where the turn of the bandage is to be commenced, the other hand turning the bandage back upon itself. The crucial or figure-of-8 form is generally used at the joints, and always when going over the ankle-joint in bandaging from the foot up the leg. Carry the bandage over the upper part of the joint, then down, under, and across the lower part, and then up over the upper part again. Remember always to bandage from within outwards; commence from below and work upwards; let the pressure be evenly and uniformly applied, but not too lightly; avoid all wrinkles in your bandage; reverse or turn a bandage over always on the fleshy side, and not over a bone; fasten it with a few stitches.
d Triangular Bandage on Foot.
The triangular bandage may well be represented in every-day life by an ordinary large pockethandkerchief folded from corner to corner. Its application is almost endless and simplicity itself. A few examples of the manner in which it may be used are shown in Figs. 115, a, b, c, d; it is fastened merely by tying the ends in a double knot.
115. a b c Application of Triangular Bandage.