b. Replace Flap. If the scalp is lacerated, there may be a skin flap. Replace
the skin flap in its bed (area from which it was torn) before dressing the wound. Do not
attempt to clean the wound or remove debris. Do not attempt to push any brain matter
back into the head. If an object is protruding from the wound, do not remove the
object. Stabilize the impaled object with bulky dressings when the wound is dressed.
c. Dress the Wound. Instructions for applying and securing field dressings to
specific parts of the head are given in the following paragraphs. The dressing and
bandages should not cover the casualty's eye or ear unless the eye or ear is injured.
Reducing the casualty's vision or hearing could be dangerous in a combat situation.
NOTE:
The procedures in paragraphs 5-7, 5-8, and 5-9 describe the use of a field
dressing. The same techniques can be used with the emergency trauma
dressing.
5-7.
APPLY A DRESSING TO A WOUND ON THE FOREHEAD OR BACK OF
THE HEAD
The following paragraphs give instructions for applying a field dressing to a
wound on the casualty's forehead. The same general procedures are used to dress a
wound on the back of the casualty's head.
a. Remove the field dressing from its wrappers, grasp a tail in each hand, hold
the dressing toward the wound, pull the dressing open, and place the sterile, white
dressing pad on the wound.
b. Place one hand on the dressing to keep it from slipping. If the casualty is
able, you can have him assist by holding the dressing in place.
c. Wrap one tail horizontally around the casualty's head (figure 5-2) and bring it
back across the dressing. Angle the bandage so that it will cover the top or bottom
edge of the dressing.
d. Wrap the second tail around the casualty's head in the opposite direction.
Bring the tail back across the dressing angled so the tail will cover the other edge (top
or bottom) of the dressing.
e. Continue to wrap the bandage around the head again until it meets the first
tail.
f. Tie the tails in a non-slip knot on the side of the head (figure 5-3). The
bandages should be tight enough so the dressing will not slip but not tight enough to
place undue pressure on the wound.
g. Tuck in any excess tails. Tucking in excess material will keep the tails from
catching on an object or accidentally hitting the casualty in the eye.
MD0554
5-5