(1) The cravat can be made from a muslin bandage from your aid bag or
other material torn and folded into a cravat (see figure 5-18 in Section II). Other
materials such as a handkerchief, sock, or strip of cloth torn from a shirt can also be
used.
(2) Wire and narrow material, such as a shoestring, are not used since they
are likely to damage blood vessels and nerve tissue.
c. Tie the ends of the cravat in a nonslip knot to secure the wad of padding
(figure 5-13). Tie the nonslip knot directly over the wound. The cravat should be tight
enough so only the tip of one finger can be inserted under the cravat. Do not tie the
cravat so tight that it cuts off blood circulation. The pressure on the wad of dressing
helps to restrict the blood vessels and control the bleeding.
Figure 5-13. Nonslip knot tied on top of bandage over the wound.
d. Check the circulation below the pressure dressing. If the skin below the
pressure dressing becomes cool to the touch, bluish, or numb, or if the pulse below the
pressure dressing is no longer present, the pressure dressing may be too tight. If
circulation is impaired, loosen and retie the cravat. If circulation is not restored,
evacuate the casualty as soon as possible.
NOTE:
The pressure dressing can be loosened and retied without disturbing the
blood clot forming under the field dressing.
IS0871
5-10
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