Figure 3-4. Petroleum gauze improvised occlusive dressing.
3-8.
DRESS THE OPEN CHEST WOUND
Apply a dressing to secure and protect the seal and to absorb secretions.
Secure the dressing with a bandage. The following steps are for applying a field
dressing to an improvised occlusive dressing.
a. Apply the Field Dressing.
(1)
Pick up the packet containing the dressing.
(2)
Grasp the packet with both hands and twist until the paper wrapper
breaks.
(3) Remove the dressing from the wrapper and discard the wrapper.
Avoid touching the white, sterile dressing pad and keep the pad as free from
(4) Grasp the folded tails of the dressing with both hands, hold the
dressing above the wound with the sterile pad toward the wound, and pull the tails so
the dressing opens and flattens.
(5)
Place the sterile dressing pad on top of the sealing material.
CAUTION:
If an impaled object is protruding from the chest wound, apply a bulky
dressing to the wound without covering or moving the object. Then
stabilize the object by placing bulky dressings made from the cleanest
material available around the protruding object.
MD0554
3-8