Pressure Dressings: Securing the Pack and Controlling the Bleed

After a wound has been packed, the packing must be secured and pressure must be maintained. This is the role of the pressure dressing. The application of modern, multi-function trauma dressings, often called "Israeli bandages," highlighting the specific features of the models curated by ViTAC Solutions.

The "Israeli" Bandage: Anatomy of an Emergency Trauma Dressing (ETD™)

The North American Rescue Emergency Trauma Dressing (ETD™), commonly known as an "Israeli Bandage," revolutionized trauma dressings with its all-in-one design. It combines a sterile, non-adherent pad, a long elastic wrap, and a patented pressure bar into a single, easy-to-use device.

The key innovation of the ETD™ is the pressure bar. After making an initial wrap to secure the pad over the wound, the user reverses the direction of the wrap and threads it through the pressure bar. This action forces the pressure bar down directly onto the wound pad, concentrating the pressure where it is needed most. The user then continues to wrap the elastic bandage around the limb, and secures it with the integrated closure bar at the end.

This design allows a single rescuer to apply a firm, effective pressure dressing quickly and easily, even with one hand. It is a massive improvement over the old method of using separate gauze pads, bandages, and tape, and it is a staple of any modern trauma kit. The NAR 6 in. Emergency Trauma Dressing is a similar, widely used variant.

Pros and Cons of the NAR ETD™

• Pros:

  • Simple and Intuitive: The design omits pressure bars and hooks, making application very simple and easy to remember under stress, requiring only gross motor skills.  

  • Compact and Cost-Effective: Available in a flat-folded, vacuum-sealed package that reduces space in a kit, and it is generally the most affordable option.  

  • Prevents Unrolling: The innovative Quick-Grip Roll Control tabs keep the elastic wrap from unrolling if it's dropped during application.  

• Cons:

  • Lacks a Pressure Bar: Unlike the Israeli Bandage or OLAES, it does not have an integrated pressure device, meaning the user must manually create focused pressure by twisting the bandage or adding another object on top of the wound pad.  

  • Less Versatile: While it can be used as a sling or to secure a splint, it lacks the built-in extras like packing gauze or an occlusive sheet found in more advanced bandages.  

The OLAES® Modular Bandage: The All-in-One Solution

The OLAES® Modular Bandage from TacMed Solutions takes the concept of an all-in-one dressing to the next level. It is designed to be a multi-purpose trauma tool, incorporating several useful features into a single package.  

In addition to the standard pressure dressing components, the OLAES® bandage includes a roll of sterile packing gauze tucked inside the dressing pad. This allows the user to pack a wound and then immediately apply the pressure dressing without having to open a separate package. It also features a plastic occlusive sheet stored in the dressing pad, which can be used as a chest seal for a sucking chest wound or to cover a burn. Finally, the pressure cup on the outside of the dressing is a hard plastic dome that can be used to focus pressure on the wound site or act as a rigid eye shield for an eye injury.  

This modular, "everything-in-one" design makes the OLAES® an incredibly versatile and space-efficient piece of gear. Mastering its application and understanding how to leverage all its built-in features can significantly enhance a responder's capabilities.

Pros and Cons of the OLAES® Modular Bandage

• Pros:

  • Highly Versatile: It's an all-in-one trauma dressing that includes packing gauze, an occlusive sheet, and a pressure cup that doubles as an eye shield, reducing the need to carry separate items.  

  • True Focused Pressure: The pressure cup applies direct, focused pressure onto the wound site, which is more effective at controlling bleeding than simple circumferential pressure.  

  • User-Friendly: The design is intuitive, uses only gross motor skills, and has Velcro "Control Strips" that prevent the elastic from accidentally unrolling.  

• Cons:

  • Bulky: The integrated features, especially the pressure cup, make it the bulkiest of the common pressure dressings, which can be a challenge for very compact kits.  

  • Most Expensive: It is typically the priciest of the three main pressure bandages, which can be a factor when buying in quantity.  

  • Packaging Issues: Some users have reported receiving bandages where the vacuum seal on the packaging was broken, potentially compromising sterility.  

The Blast Bandage: Designed for Amputations and Large Wounds

The Tactical Medical Solutions Tactical Medical Blast Bandage is a specialized dressing designed for the most severe injuries, such as traumatic amputations, large avulsions, and burns. Its features are scaled up to handle massive tissue damage.  

The primary feature of the Blast Bandage is its very large (20-inch by 20-inch) sterile wound pad, which is significantly larger than that of a standard ETD. This allows it to cover a large area of a burn or a complex blast injury. The pad is also detachable from the elastic wrap, allowing the wrap to be used independently if needed.  

Like the OLAES®, it includes a large occlusive layer that can be used to cover a burn, seal a chest wound, or help manage a traumatic amputation. When faced with catastrophic injuries, having a large, purpose-built dressing like the Blast Bandage can be critical for gaining control of the situation and protecting the wound from further contamination.  

Pros and Cons of the Tactical Medical Blast Bandage

• Pros:

  • Massive Coverage: The 20" x 20" treatment area is large enough to cover an entire back, chest, or treat large burns and traumatic amputations.  

  • Multi-Function: Includes a large, removable occlusive layer for covering abdominal eviscerations, burns, or chest wounds.  

  • Secure Application: Features the same "brake" system as other TacMed bandages to prevent the elastic wrap from accidentally unrolling during application.  

• Cons:

  • Bulky Packaging: While it packs down to the size of a 4" combat bandage, it is still bulkier than standard dressings and may not fit in smaller IFAKs.  

  • Insufficient Elastic: For very large applications, such as wrapping an entire torso, the attached elastic wrap may not be long enough, requiring supplemental bandages to fully secure it.  

  • Specialized Use: Its large size makes it overkill for smaller wounds, meaning it's a specialized item rather than a general-purpose pressure dressing.

Be prepared. Be Confident.