Two forms of bandages are adapted to the limbs, the figure-of-eight, and the spiral reversed bandage. In applying a bandage always begin at the lower extremity of the limb and approach the body. Make a few circular turns about the limb (see [Fig. I], p. 132), then as the limb enlarges, draw the bandage up spirally, reversing it each time it encircles the limb, as shown in [Fig. I], p. 134. In reversing, hold the bandage with the left thumb so that it will not slip, and then allowing the free end to fall slack, turn down as in [Fig. II], p. 132.
The T-bandage is used to bandage the crotch between the thighs, or around the forehead and over the top of the skull. (See [Fig. IV], p. 134.) In the former case, the ends 1–1 are put about the body as a belt, and the end 2 is brought from behind, in the narrow part of the back, down forward between the thighs, over the crotch, and up to the belt in the lower part of the belly. The figure-of-eight bandage is used on various parts, and is illustrated in the bandage called spica of the groin, [Fig. IV], p. 132. Beginning with a few circular turns about the body in the direction of 1, the bandage is brought down in front of the body and groin, as in 2, and then about the back of the thigh up around the front of the thigh, as in 3, across the back and once around the body and down again as in 2. Other bandages appropriate to various parts of the body are also illustrated that by their help the proper method of their application may be understood. See pages [132], [134], [136], [137]. The triangular bandage (see p. [88]) made from a large handkerchief or piece of muslin a yard square, cut or folded diagonally from corner to corner, will be found invaluable in emergency cases. It is easily and quickly adjusted to almost any part of the body, and may be used for dressing wounds, or as a bandage for fractures, etc.
| Fig. I. | Fig. II. |
Plate III.
BANDAGES FOR EXTREMITIES (American Text-Book).
Fig. I shows a spiral reversed bandage of arm and hand, requiring roller 21/2 inches wide and 7 yards long; Fig. II shows a spiral reversed bandage of leg and foot, requiring roller 21/2 inches wide and 14 yards long.
| Fig. I. | Fig. II. |
| Fig. III. | Fig. IV. |
Plate IV.
BANDAGES FOR HEAD AND HAND.
(American Text-Book.)