Session 10 first aid scenarios, bandaging materials and wound care
Objectives
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Justify your triage classification of a first aid situation
Describe the first aid response to an emergency situation
Inspect bandaging and dressing materials: Name them and discuss functions advantages and
disadavantages
Practice the protocol for first aid of wound cleaning and taking a wound swab aseptically
Activity
1. With your buddy brainstorm/research your first aid response to an emergency. Record your
decisions and share them with the class. Ensure you cover the following: triage classification
of your emergency(justify your decision), initial action plan, assume your physical
examination did not uncover any further problems but describe your first aid stabilisation of
injuries/ the problem and key issues for safe transport to the clinic
2. Inspect bandaging and dressing materials: classify the dressings inspected as :
 Adherent/non-adherent
 Absorbent/ non-absorbent
 Passive, interactive or bioactive
 Occlusive/semi-occlusive or non occlusive
3. List and describe the properties advantages and disadvantages of secondary and tertiary
layer bandage materials. Describe the properties of adhesive/cohesive and conforming/
loose open weave materials
4. Take a wound swab using the protocol that follows
Taking a wound swab
 Gather the swab stick, transport media, forms and biohaz bag for transport
 Prepare hands for aseptic technique (clinical hand wash and open glove)
 Gently swab the area, place the swab into transport media, seal inside biohaz bag, fill in the
form with the client and animal details the date and time taken wound and antibiotic
therapy, and enclose the form in the pocket of the biohaz bag
 Keep sample cool (not frozen) and ensure it is transported to the lab asap.
 Choose a transport media for the organisms the clinical condition indicate may be present
 Consider doing a direct impression smear or cytological exam of exudates.
5. Answer the questions on the true false sheet for review
True false worksheet
1. Wound exudate is a hindrance to the management of wounds
2. Epithelial migration proceeds faster in a moist environment
3. Exudate if allowed to collect under an occlusive dressing , constitutes a favourable
environment for bacterial growth
4. Bacterial contamination of a wound retards the healing process.
5. Frequent changing of soiled absorbent dressings enhances the rate of healing
6. Scabs formed on exposed wounds effectively protect a wound
6. Unsightly scars are associated with dry/expose