Why are compression bandages considered essential in Australian first aid kits?
Short Answer: Compression bandages are considered an essential part of Australian first aid kits because of their role in executing the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT). This technique is a life-saving measure that can slow down the spread of venom from snake and insect bites. These bandages are universally adopted to stabilise sprains and control heavy bleeding.
If you want to understand the importance of compression bandages in Australia, you also need to look into the following:
● How are compression bandages used for snakebite treatment?
● What types of compression bandages are available?
● Are they mandatory in a rural workplace?
● How often should they be replaced?
How are compression bandages used for snakebite treatment?
When dealing with venomous snake and insect bites, PIT is used to slow down the spread of the venom through your body, giving you enough time to reach a medical facility and get treated with antivenom and other relevant medications.
The proper method of using a compression bandage in a snakebite involves the following steps.
● Keep the patient calm and completely at rest. When a patient panics, their heartbeat increases and quickens the spread of the venom.
● Remove any jewellery close to the bite area before the bandage is applied.
● Wrap the bandage all the way up the entire length of the limb. This is a must to fully restrict the lymphatic flow.
● Once the limb has been wrapped and immobilised, apply a rigid splint to bind it and prevent any movements.
● Continue to check the skin below the bandage to ensure proper blood flow. If the fingers or toes become cold, pale, or blue, you need to gently loosen the bandage.
● Mark the bite location on the bandage and record the time the bandage was applied.
What types of compression bandages are available?
In Australia, you can find multiple types of compression bandages. The main types of compression bandages are short-stretch, multi-layer, tubular, and high-compression elastic bandages.
● Short-stretch bandages- These bandages offer high ‘working pressure’ when the muscle contracts and low ‘resting pressure’ when the muscle is at rest. These bandages are especially effective for treating lymphedema and venous ulcers.
● Multi-layer bandage systems- These work by gradually applying pressure through the use of several layers made of different materials. These systems combine padding and support with cohesive and elastic outer layers.
● Tubular/Compression stockinettes- They provided consistent radial and longitudinal compression, which is particularly effective in treating sprains, general soft tissue damage, and fluid retention.
● High-compression elastic bandages- These bandages can provide highly elastic and high-yielding sustained pressure. However, they require precise wrapping and maintaining constant pressure.
Are they mandatory in rural workplaces?
There is no rule that says compression bandages are mandatory for rural workplaces in Australia. Nevertheless, compression bandages are considered essential first aid supplies.
Under Safe Work Australia guidelines, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for ensuring proper workplace health and safety. A big part of that is equipping workers and the worksite with proper first aid kits. First aid kits designed for rural and remote workplaces will often contain compression bandages.
This is because you are very likely to encounter venomous snakes and insects in rural workplaces. Without compression bandages, you may not be able to administer Pressure Immobilisation Techniques (PIT) properly. When you are unable to properly administer PIT, the venom can spread quickly, and the time you have to take them to a medical facility is limited. Every second is crucial, as medical facilities may be located far from your rural workplace.
The bottom line, if you’re looking for first aid kits for a rural workplace, make sure they have compression bandages.
How often should they be replaced?
If you are using reusable compression bandages, replace them every 3 to 6 months. This is because these bandages lose their elasticity and pressure over time.
However, if you are applying bandages to treat open wounds and ulcers, they need to be replaced 1 to 3 times a week, in tandem with cleaning the wound and changing the dressing. When dealing with severe swelling (lymphodema) at the initial stage, the bandages will need to be replaced daily. When dealing with sprains and strains, the bandages need to be removed at night and rewrapped in the morning. This daily removal is required to allow the skin to breathe.
Related Question
Q: Should every first aid kit include compression bandages?
In most cases, yes. First aid kits with compression bandages will be useful for workplaces, homes, vehicles, sporting kits, caravans, and other outdoor adventure setups.
Conclusion
Compression bandages are one of the most useful and versatile items you can find in a first aid kit. From supporting sprains and strains to assisting with snake and insect bites, compression bandages can potentially save your life.
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