Occlusive dressing is a special type of first surgical aid, which is provided for wounds in the chest. With a through wound, the pressure inside it becomes the same as the external (atmospheric) one, which makes the breathing process impossible. This phenomenon is called pneumothorax. To prevent air from entering through the "excess" hole, it is necessary to seal the wound. This is the purpose of occlusive dressings.
Without a doubt, the main task with such injuries remains to bring the wounded to an experienced surgeon as soon as possible. In order for him to live to the hospital, the imposition of occlusive dressings is just used.
Bandage for minor injuries
Wounds come in different sizes. It is on this that the technique of applying an occlusive dressing depends. If the hole is small, the wounded man is sitting, the skin around the wound is disinfected with the antisepticwhich is at hand. It is also advisable to enter an anesthetic. A sterile pad (rubberized) is placed on the wound. It is necessary to carefully observe that the whole process proceeds on exhalation. Then something is applied that guarantees the tightness of the occlusive dressings - oilcloth, plastic bag, rubber. This material should be wider than the wound itself. To improve the sealing, the edges of the superimposed piece can be glued to the skin with adhesive tape or adhesive tape. And already from above the whole structure is fixed with bandages. The wound, if it is at shoulder level, is bandaged in a spiral, if below - with a spikelet.
Dressing for extensive injuries
If the wound is significant in size, the occlusive dressing for open pneumothorax is applied somewhat differently. Firstly, the victim is not sitting, but reclining. The skin along the edges of the wound should be cleaned with iodonate. Anesthesia is mandatory, otherwise a person risks dying from pain shock. It is no longer a pillow that is applied to the wound site, but a sterile napkin or bandage, previously folded several times. Around it, the skin is lubricated with petroleum jelly for better adhesion of the sealant, and it should be wider than in the first case. Next comes a cotton swab and gauze, which are ten centimeters wider than the oilcloth. The fixation of such occlusive dressings is carried out according to the same rules by which they are fixed for minor wounds. The only difference is that it is imperative to make sure that the dressings are dry and that all parts are securelypinned.
After applying occlusive dressings, it is necessary to closely monitor his condition until the wounded man is admitted to the hospital. If breathing difficulties are noticed, the heartbeat becomes more frequent, profuse sweat begins to stand out, the face or lips turn blue - the occlusal is immediately replaced by aseptic.
Occlusive dressing for other diseases
It is used to treat thrombophlebitis, trophic and varicose wounds. In principle, its use in this case is controlled by the attending physician, but you need to know about it.
Unlike dressings for violent chest injuries, occlusive dressings contain gelatin, zinc oxide and glycerin. Such mixtures can be bought at the nearest pharmacy, you can do it yourself. All components are mixed in the right proportions and heated in a water bath to a creamy state. The leg is smeared with a warm composition, bandaged on top, then again the ointment and again the bandage - five or six layers. These are applied for a month and are very helpful in the treatment. They are called occlusal because they require a tight overlay.
