(a) If an object (piece of shrapnel, twig from a tree or bush, or such) is
protruding from the wound, apply dressings to the wound without covering the
protruding object. Procedures for dressing a wound with a protruding object are given
in Lesson 8 of this subcourse.
(b) If the fractured end of a bone can be seen, cover the bone with
the dressing. Do not attempt to force the bone beneath the skin. Do not attempt to
realign the fractured limb.
d. Secure the Dressing.
(1) Place one hand on top of the dressing to hold the dressing in place and
to apply pressure to the bleeding blood vessels. If the casualty is conscious, you can
have him apply pressure to the dressing while you secure it.
(2) Wrap one of the bandages around the injured limb with your free hand.
As you wrap, cover one of the exposed sides of the dressing with the bandage. (The
bandage can usually be wrapped around a limb more than once.) Bring the tail back
over the dressing.
(3) Wrap the other bandage around the injured body part in the opposite
direction (figure 2-8 E). As you wrap, cover the remaining exposed side of the
dressing with the bandage. Bring the tail back to the dressing.
(4)
Tie the tails in a non-slip knot at the edge of the dressing (figure 2-8 F).
2-10. CHECK THE CIRCULATION BELOW THE FIELD DRESSING
Recheck the casualty's blood circulation and nerve function below the wound.
The blood circulation and/or nerve function is impaired if the pulse below the limb is
absent or impaired, if the skin or nail beds below the wound are bluish, if the limb
below the wound is numb or cool to the touch, or if motor function below the wound is
lost. If possible, compare the area below the wound of the injured limb to the same
area on the uninjured limb. If the circulation or nerve function is impaired, loosen the
tails with disturbing the dressing and retie the tails. If circulation and nerve function
are not restored, evacuate the casualty as soon as possible.
2-11. ELEVATE THE INJURED LIMB, IF APPROPRIATE
bone, deformity of the limb, and such). If a fracture is suspected, do not elevate the
wound at this time. If a fractured limb is moved before a splint is applied, the sharp
edges of the fractured bone may damage nearby nerves and blood vessels. A
fractured limb can be elevated after a splint has been applied to the fractured limb.
MD0554
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