Application and use of occlusive dressings

Occlusive bandage is a special kind of first surgical aid, which happens when injured in the thorax. With a through wound, the pressure inside it becomes the same as the external (atmospheric) pressure, which makes the breathing process impossible. This phenomenon is called pneumothorax. To prevent air from getting through the "extra" hole, it is necessary to seal the wound. This is the purpose of occlusive dressings.

Without a doubt, the main task with such damages remains as soon as possible to take the wounded to an experienced surgeon. To make him live up to the hospital, it is just the application of occlusion dressings.

Bandage for minor injuries

Wounds can be of different sizes. It depends on this technique of imposing an occlusive dressing. If the hole is small, the wounded sits, the skin around the wound is disinfected with the antiseptic that is at hand. It is also advisable to enter an anesthetic. On the wound is placed a sterile pillow (rubberized). It is necessary to watch carefully that the whole process is due to an exhalation. Then something is superimposed that guarantees tightness of occlusive dressings - an oilcloth, cellophane package, rubber. This material should be wider than the wound itself. To improve the sealing of the edge of the superimposed piece, you can glue to the skin with an adhesive plaster or tape. And already on top of the whole structure is fixed with bandages. The wound, if it is at shoulder level, is banded spirally, if lower - by a spikelet.

Bandage for extensive injuries

If the wound is significant in size, the occlusive dressing with an open pneumothorax is superimposed somewhat differently. Firstly, the victim is not sitting, but half-way. The skin around the edges of the wound should be cleaned with iodonate. Anesthesia is necessary, otherwise a person runs the risk of dying from a painful shock. The wound is no longer superimposed on the pillow, but a sterile napkin or bandage, previously folded several times. Around it the skin is smeared with petroleum jelly to better adhere sealant, and it should be wider than in the first case. Next comes a swab of cotton wool and gauze, which is wider than oilcloths of centimeters by ten. The fixation of such occlusive dressings is carried out according to the same rules by which they are fixed for minor wounds. The only difference is that you must always make sure of the dryness of the dressings and that all parts are securely fixed.

After the application of occlusive dressings before the wounded enters the hospital, it is necessary to closely monitor his condition. If difficulty in breathing is noticed, palpitation becomes more frequent, sweat becomes abundant, the face or lips turn blue - the occlusal is immediately replaced with an aseptic one.

Occlusive bandage for other diseases

It is used to treat thrombophlebitis, trophic and varicose wounds. In principle, its use in this case is controlled by the attending physician, but one must know about it.

In contrast to dressings for violent damage to the chest, the composition of therapeutic occlusive dressings include gelatin, zinc oxide and glycerin. Such mixtures can be bought at the nearest pharmacy, you can do it yourself. All components are mixed in the right proportions and heated in a water bath to a creamy state. With a warm compound, a foot is spread out, a bandage is applied from above, then again an ointment and again a bandage - five to six layers. Such superimposed within a month and are very helpful in treatment. They are called occlusive because they require a sealed application.