What should be considered when bandaging battle injuries?

In general, wound dressing in combat injuries is a critical component of battlefield first aid. Key considerations during the process include cleaning the wound before dressing, controlling the tightness of the dressing, avoiding pressure on foreign objects within the wound, protecting the limb in a functional position, and marking the time of dressing. Specific details are as follows:

1. Clean the wound before dressing: The wound should be cleaned simply prior to dressing. If possible, use normal saline to rinse the wound and remove surface contaminants such as dirt and debris. If no cleaning solution is available, gently wipe the wound with sterile gauze or dressing to prevent residual contamination that could lead to infection.

2. Control dressing tightness: Apply moderate pressure when dressing—tight enough that one finger can still be inserted beneath the bandage. Excessive tightness may compress blood vessels and nerves, causing swelling, numbness, or impaired circulation in the injured limb. If too loose, the dressing cannot secure the wound pad effectively, leaving the wound unprotected and prone to displacement due to movement, thus losing its protective function.

3. Avoid pressing on foreign bodies in the wound: If there are foreign objects such as bullet fragments or bone shards in the wound, do not press directly on them or force the dressing. Instead, first place sterile dressings around the edges of the object, then proceed with securing the bandage. This prevents the object from being pushed deeper into tissues and worsening the injury.

4. Maintain the limb in a functional position: During dressing, position the injured limb in a functional posture—for example, flexing the elbow at 90 degrees with the hand partially clenched for upper limbs, or slightly bending the knee and keeping the foot in a neutral position for lower limbs. This helps prevent abnormal postures caused by immobilization, which could impair functional recovery, lead to joint stiffness, or cause muscle contractures.

5. Mark the dressing time: After completing the dressing, clearly note the time on the outer layer of the dressing. This allows subsequent medical personnel to track how long the dressing has been in place, determine whether it needs changing, and promptly identify potential complications such as impaired circulation due to prolonged compression.

It is recommended to regularly monitor peripheral circulation in the injured limb after dressing, checking skin color, temperature, and sensation. If pallor, coolness, or numbness occurs, adjust the tightness of the dressing promptly. Avoid pressing on the dressed area when moving the casualty to minimize secondary injury to the wound.