it is to be effective. Begin on the shoulder and carry the roller through the axilla and around the neck. Take the turn next about the neck and beneath the jaw, behind the ear on the sound side, over the top of the head, down in front of the ear on the affected side. Next carry the roller horizontally around the meck and then beneath the jaw once more; again vertically around the head, but this time it passes in front of the ear on the sound side and behind the car on the affected site. Carry the roller now as a bandage for thy head. 43 Pex. 4r.—Capitetiom. (Moat) Fra 42.—Capltatium completed. (Mesee) A dressing may be secured in many instances by simple turns about the forehead and occiput; but the bandage may be made to hold firmer if, as it approaches a certain point, it is raised in one turn and lowered in the next. It has the appearance of a spiral reverse (Fig. 39). Barton's bandage may be used (Fig. 40), Begin at the top of the head, carry the roller beneath the chin, up to the vertex, across and to the occiput point below the occiput. From this point, carry it forward to the chin and on to the occiput. Bring it up to the top of the head and again beneath the chin and proceed as in the beginning, Figs. 41 and 42 represent one method of applying the recurrent or capitellum to the head. Morley describes a useful and practical bandage for the eye (J. A. M.A. Meh. 27, 1909). Take a piece of muslin, or gauze, long enough to go about the head and wide enough to cover the orbital region. At its center cut a round hole for the ear of the affected side and further back an oblong slit for the occiput. Prim the bandage so as to uncover the sound eye. Split the two ends and these tails tight enough to prevent slipping. Wooden Splints.—Wood is the material usually most available when temporary splints must be improvised. Often these splints may be used for permanent immobilization; though not so much so as formerly, From soft wood—a thin pine board—the appropriate form may be readily shaped and, when applied, well wrapped so as to conform to the parts, furnishes a fixation at once light and rigid. The splint must be wider than the limb and long as the part to be immobilized, but not so long as to produce discomfort. The sound limb may be used as a pattern in modeling the splint. Such splints have the disadvantage that they are hard to keep in place. A number of thin wooden strips may be glued to felt, or held together by adhesive plaster, to form effective fixation in certain fractures of the humerus and thigh, On this principle the Dutch cane splints are constructed for use in the emergencies of warfare. Gooch’s splint is made from a pine board 2 feet long and 6 or 8 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick, pasted on to felt and then split in strips 3/4 inch wide. Before the splint is applied, it should be padded with absorbent cotton and wrapped with a gauze roller, The cotton should be cut to correspond to the irregularities of the limb. The molded splint is applied, and held in place with adhesive Toller bandage is applied, Metal splints as ordinarily employed are scarcely available for emergency practice. These materials cannot, as a rule, be readily worked into shape; but, on the other hand, if ready-made, are likely not to fit. However, in case of necessity, a splint could be cut from tin or from wire gauze. Wire guaze, indeed, forms part of the military emergency bag. It can be bandaged to the part; the cut edges should be turned over or covered with cloth. Plaster.—Plaster of Paris, on the whole, is the material best adapted to the exigencies of emergency practice. It is not too bulky, cheap, easily obtained, and readily prepared; once applied, it is not unduly heavy and furnishes a firm support. It has the special advantage that it can be molded to the part; the disadvantage, that it may be difficult to remove when applied as a roller bandage. Plaster is spoiled by exposure. One should buy a good quality and keep it dry. Old plaster should be baked before using. Plaster may be applied on a roller bandage or on strips to make a molded splint, The splint form is better when the parts must be frequently inspected or when much swelling is anticipated. The plaster roller may be prepared from the ordinary gauze roller or from crinoline. The latter is perhaps the best. The rollers should be about 4 yards in length; a, 3 ands and 1/2 inches in width. To prepare the plaster bandage, pour the plaster on a table or in a wide shallow basin. Start the loose end of the roller through the plaster, rubbing it in thoroughly, and as fast as it is fully impregnated have the assistant re-roll it (Fig.46). These bandages will keep indefinitely in an air-tight container. Prepared in this way they are much more satisfactory than if bought ready-made—and certainty much less expensive. Method of Applying.—When the limb is ready, washed, and governed with glazed cotton or stocking, the plaster roller is set in a panel warm water deep enough to cover it. When the bubbles cease to rise, it is ready to apply. Seizing it at each end, wring it gently. Begin by making a few oblique turns at first to secure the dressing or cotton, and then cover the limb by systematic circular turns, progressing from below upward, each turn overlapping the preceding one, The “reverse” must not be used. A little loose plaster may be spread on and moistened to give a smooth and even finish. The limb must be supported and the extension maintained until the plaster has hardened. A little salt added to the water hastens the process, If there is danger of swelling, or if the limb cannot be frequently inspected, it is better to split the case before leaving the patient. Sometimes it is quite a task to split a plaster cast after it is thoroughly hardened, The labor may be greatly lessened by the use of simple syrup, a groove being first cut with plaster knife or saw; if the groove is kept filled with syrup while the cutting is in progress, one will get through the plaster rapidly. Plaster splints are made by cutting several thicknesses of crinoline, appropriate to the shape of the limb. It is saturated with plaster, each layer separately, dipped in warm water until well soaked, then applied and molded to the limb. Pix it with circular turns of a muslin bandage. The second splint, if needed, is then applied and fixed by a second series of circular turns. The splints may be fixed by a plaster roller if desired. A still better way is to fold the crinoline into the desired number of layers and cut them all at once from the pattern determined. Warm water and a basin arc next provided and plaster is slowly sifted into the water, until it ceases to bubble; when it is mixed, 48 DRESSINGS, BANDAGES, SPLINTS. until it has the consistency of cream. The cloth is then dipped in and saturated. When well soaked, the excess of plaster is pressed out and the splint is ready to apply. The Bavarian plaster splint is particularly useful in immobilizing the leg. Cut two pieces of flannel long enough to extend from the upper end of the thigh under the heel to the ball of the toes, a few inches wider than the greatest girth of the limb, Stitch these pieces together along the middle line for the length of the leg, Put the splint thus formed under the limb, with the seam exactly in the middie; bring the inner half around, fitting it to the leg, the dorsum and sole of the foot, like a stocking. Smear this stocking with liquid plaster and, before it sets, turn the outer half over the plaster and mold it and adjust the end pieces to the sole. The splint can be easily removed, as the seam along the back acts as a perfect hinge.<Callout type="tip" title="Tip">Always ensure that the bandage or splint is snug but not too tight to avoid cutting off circulation.</Callout type="important" title="Important">Avoid using materials like wire gauze for emergency splints, as they may not fit well and could cause additional harm if improperly applied.</Callout type="risk" title="Risk">Improperly applied plaster casts can lead to complications such as pressure sores or nerve damage. Always seek professional help when possible.</Callout type="gear" title="Gear">For modern survival, consider carrying a pre-made emergency splint kit that includes materials like crinoline and liquid plaster for quick application in the field.</Callout
Key Takeaways
- Master various head and eye bandaging methods to ensure proper immobilization and protection.
- Learn how to apply plaster splints effectively for long-term immobilization of limbs.
- Understand the importance of using appropriate materials and techniques to avoid complications.
Practical Tips
- Carry a small first aid kit with gauze, bandages, and liquid plaster for quick emergency applications.
- Practice applying different types of splints on non-critical areas before an actual emergency occurs.
- Always keep your hands clean when handling wounds or applying bandages to avoid introducing infections.
Warnings & Risks
- Be cautious not to apply too much pressure with bandages, as this can restrict blood flow and cause tissue damage.
- Avoid using wire gauze for splints; it may not fit properly and could lead to additional injuries.
- Do not attempt to remove a hardened plaster cast without professional help, as improper removal can cause harm.
Modern Application
While the techniques described in this chapter are rooted in historical practices, many of the principles still apply today. Modern survivalists should understand these methods for quick and effective emergency care while also being aware of advancements like pre-made splint kits that offer improved fit and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Barton's bandage used for?
Barton's bandage is a method to secure dressings or immobilize the head by creating a spiral reverse pattern, as described in Fig. 39 of the chapter.
Q: How can one make a splint from wood during an emergency?
A wooden splint can be made by cutting a thin pine board to fit the limb and shaping it appropriately. It should be wider than the limb and long enough to immobilize the affected area, with padding added for comfort.
Q: What are some risks associated with applying plaster casts?
Risks include pressure sores, nerve damage, and improper fitting of the cast, which can lead to additional injuries. Always seek professional help when possible to avoid these complications.