a. Hold the foil over-pouch so that the instructions can be read and the unsealed
edges are at the top.
b. Grasp the unsealed edges (figure 5-25A).
c. Peel open the over-pouch by pulling the unsealed edges apart (figure
5-25B).
d. Use your hand and thumb to trap the dressing between the bottom foil and
the green/black polyester backing (figure 5-25C).
e. Hold the dressing by the nonabsorbent green/black backing and discard the
foil over-pouch (figure 5-25D).
NOTE:
Do not let moisture from your hand come into contact with the dressing
before you apply the bandage. The moisture could cause the sponge to
become sticky.
f. Apply the light-colored sponge portion directly over the wound and apply
pressure to the green/black backing with your fingers (figure 5-25E).
NOTE:
Do not let the bandage come into contact with the casualty's eyes.
g. Apply manual pressure and maintain the pressure until the dressing adheres
and the bleeding stops (usually 2 to 4 minutes). Do not try to reposition the bandage
once it is applied.
NOTE:
If the bleeding does not stop within 4 minutes, remove the chitosan dressing,
apply another chitosan bandage, and apply manual pressure again. Do not
apply a new chitosan bandage over an old one. The old chitosan bandage
must be removed so that the sponge portion of the new chitosan bandage
can come into contact with the blood and fluids from the wound.
h. Apply a field dressing or a cravat to secure the chitosan dressing and to
prevent contamination.
NOTE:
For smaller wounds, you may want to cut the chitosan dressing before
applying it to the wound. In this way, you will have a second dressing to
apply if the first dressing is not sufficient to stop the bleeding or to use on
another wound (entrance and exit wound, for example).
IS0871
5-29
Previous Page
