Injuries can happen at any moment, and knowing how to treat them effectively is essential. Bandages are a crucial part of any first aid kit, designed to protect wounds, support injured areas, and encourage healing.
Whether you’re managing a sprain, cut, or other injury, choosing the right bandage is key to providing proper care. With so many different types of bandages available, it’s important to understand their unique purposes.
In this article, we’ll explore the five most important types of bandages and how to use them to provide effective first aid.
Not all bandages do the same job. Knowing which one to grab is a crucial step in any first-aid emergency. Here’s a look at the different types and when to use each.
Roller bandages are flexible and commonly used to secure dressings, support joints, or apply pressure. They’re ideal for covering large areas and are easy to wrap around limbs.
When to use:
Triangular bandages are adaptable cloths used to support, cover, or immobilise injuries. Their shape makes them especially useful for upper limb injuries.
When to use:
Tubular bandages are slip-on coverings designed for fingers, toes, and limbs. They offer light compression and protect minor injuries.
When to use:
Crepe bandages are elastic wraps that provide compression and support for joint or muscle injuries. They help reduce swelling and stabilise affected areas.
When to use:
Cohesive bandages stick to themselves, not the skin, making them ideal for tricky areas. They offer flexible support and compression without the need for clips or tape.
When to use:
Here’s a quick comparison of the five bandage types covered above, summarising their typical uses.
Types of bandages | Uses |
Roller Bandages | Used for securing dressings, providing support, and stopping bleeding. |
Triangular Bandages | Used to create slings, immobilise limbs, or cover wounds. |
Tubular Bandages | Used to cover fingers, toes, and minor injuries for light compression. |
Crepe Bandages | Used for compression, support, and reducing swelling in sprains and strains. |
Cohesive Bandages | Used for compression and support, adheres to itself, ideal for joints. |
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Each type of bandage has its own special use, and applying them the right way makes all the difference in providing effective care. Whether you’re tending to a small cut or helping someone with a sprain, knowing the best way to use each bandage will help things heal properly. To make sure you’re applying each bandage correctly, refer to the guide below.
Bandage Type | Quick Application Guide |
Roller | Anchor at the far end; wrap toward the body, overlapping each layer by half its width; secure and check circulation. |
Triangular | Fold to the correct width for a sling; place under the limb; tie over the shoulder; tuck or pin ends out of the way. |
Tubular | Slide over the injured area (use an applicator if available); smooth out any wrinkles for a snug fit. |
Crepe | Wrap in a spiral or figure-eight pattern; overlap each layer by one-third of its width; secure and verify circulation. |
Cohesive | Tear to the needed length; wrap so it sticks to itself; press the end down; avoid wrapping too tightly. |
These five steps will help you bandage any minor injury quickly and confidently.
Understanding how and when to use different bandages is a key part of effective first aid. Recognising their specific uses and applying them correctly can make all the difference in an emergency. To build your confidence and gain hands-on experience, consider enrolling in one of our First Aid Courses, a valuable step towards being fully prepared when it matters most.
Roller, triangular, tubular, crepe, and cohesive bandages.
Use a roller for limbs, a triangular for slings, tubular for fingers, crepe for sprains, and cohesive for secure wrapping.
Yes, first aid courses teach how to use and apply bandages correctly.
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