36 



HEALTH AND DISEASE 



BANDAGES AND BANDAGING 



Bandages are used for a variety of purposes: to give support to or 

 restrain a limb, to maintain splints and dressings in position, to restrain 

 bleeding, exert pressure, promote healing, and remove swelling. To effect 

 the three last-named purposes a good deal of pressure may be necessary, 

 and while the bandage has to be applied tightly, a considerable amount of 

 care should be exercised to make the 

 pressure even and avoid interference 

 with the circulation. 



Preparation and Application 



of Bandages. — There is no small 

 amount of art in the proper applica- 



Fig. 448. — Method of Rolling a Bandage 



Fig. 449.- -A Simple Apparatus for Rolling Bandages 

 1, Wood framework. 2, Screw fixing to table 

 or weight. 3, Bent stout wire crank. 4, Wire 

 to guide and flatten bandage. 



tion of bandages, as the reader may see for himself if he will compare 

 the performance of the novice, whose bandage will not remain in position 

 on a horse at rest, with the work of the expert which will continue intact 

 when galloping and jumping have put it to every test. 



Both woollen and linen bandages are employed for horses, the latter 

 being suitable only in those cases where evaporation from their surface and 

 cooling of the part is the chief object desired. 



Woollen bandages are used for a very great variety of purposes, and 

 practice alone can render the attendant expert in their application. A few 

 hints may here be given that will be found to bear fruit. 



In preparing a bandage for application to the limb, the tapes attached 

 to one end will require to be gathered together and the bandage rolled 

 round them so as to make a small cylinder, which is to be held between the 

 thumb and middle finger of the right hand, whilst the free portion of the 

 bandage rests upon the index finger of the left hand (fig. 448). Thus held 



