Having a well-stocked first aid kit is a must for any home or business, but people often have questions about which specific supplies their kits should include. Several types of bandages are available, and they have different properties that can make one a better choice than another in a specific situation. Here is what you should know about some of the most common types of bandages.
Adhesive Bandages
Adhesive bandages come in multiple forms. They’re made in different ways and vary in terms of how well they stick to the skin, how much they allow a wound to breathe, and how long they can last before they need to be replaced.
Plastic adhesive bandages are the most common type. They can be used to cover a variety of wounds, and they’re flexible enough to stay on and remain comfortable when a person moves.
Fabric bandages can also stretch and stay in place when an individual moves the injured area. They do a better job of contouring to the body and are more comfortable than plastic bandages.
Tricot bandages are made with a blend of plastic and fabric. They’re lightweight, comfortable to wear, and durable.
Foam bandages can stretch when a person moves and stay securely attached to the skin. They’re more durable than plastic and fabric bandages and can stay on even when they get wet.
Gauze Bandages
Gauze bandages come in several sizes, and they’re versatile enough to be used to protect a wide range of wounds. Some gauze bandages simply consist of a strip of woven material, while other types have an absorbent barrier that keeps the bandage from sticking to the skin at the site of an injury.
Compression Bandages
Compression bandages apply pressure to an injured area. Short stretch compression bandages shorten after they’re placed on a limb. That keeps the bandage from putting too much pressure on the injured area when the person is at rest. The bandage resists stretching when the wearer moves.
Long stretch compression bandages can stretch well, which makes it easy to adjust the pressure. They need to be removed when the wearer is resting to avoid putting too much pressure on the injured area.
Triangular Bandages
A triangular bandage is a versatile piece of first aid equipment. It consists of a piece of cloth that can be folded into a triangle or unrolled and used as a sling to keep a limb with a broken bone from moving.
Order Bandages for Your First Aid Kit
1st Aid Supplies offers a variety of essentials that you should have in your first aid kit, including several types of bandages. If you need first aid products, buy first aid supplies online today.
