New Emergency Bandage Slows Bleeding

A new bandaging technique that applies pressure to a wound can slow bleeding more effectively than conventional bandages during emergency transport. The technique was developed by Israeli doctors at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Beer-Sheva, Israel), based on their dealings with trauma injuries during emergency fieldwork. Their new technique is described in three case studies in the November 2000 issue of the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.

The technique consists of placing a thick covering, 6-10 layers deep, over the wound and then wrapping an elastic adhesive bandage, similar to an Ace bandage, repeatedly and ever more tightly around the covering to apply pressure. Bleeding stops quickly and the bandage is easily removed, since the self-adhesive wrap sticks only to itself and the first covering but not to skin.

The bandage, called ELAD (elastic adhesive dressing), is already being used by emergency workers who have been trained in its use. Dr. Sody Naimer, the lead author of the journal article, and co-workers are now working to perfect the bandage and are planning a controlled study with the Israeli army.

"We are looking for an appropriate manufacturer to prepare the dressing in larger quantities, which will enable greater numbers of trauma victims to benefit from improved emergency-team care,” said Dr. Naimer.
A new bandaging technique that applies pressure to a wound can slow bleeding more effectively than conventional bandages during emergency transport. The technique was developed by Israeli doctors at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Beer-Sheva, Israel), based on their dealings with trauma injuries during emergency fieldwork. Their new technique is described in three case studies in the November 2000 issue of the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.

The technique consists of placing a thick covering, 6-10 layers deep, over the wound and then wrapping an elastic adhesive bandage, similar to an Ace bandage, repeatedly and ever more tightly around the covering to apply pressure. Bleeding stops quickly and the bandage is easily removed, since the self-adhesive wrap sticks only to itself and the first covering but not to skin.

The bandage, called ELAD (elastic adhesive dressing), is already being used by emergency workers who have been trained in its use. Dr. Sody Naimer, the lead author of the journal article, and co-workers are now working to perfect the bandage and are planning a controlled study with the Israeli army.

"We are looking for an appropriate manufacturer to prepare the dressing in larger quantities, which will enable greater numbers of trauma victims to benefit from improved emergency-team care,” said Dr. Naimer.



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Ben-Gurion University