Muslin bandages or improvised bandages made from strips torn from a T-shirt, blanket, or poncho may be applied over the dressings to add reinforcement.

Make sure the reinforcing materials do not place undue pressure on the casualty’s wound or on any protruding organs. Tie the reinforcing bandages at the casualty’s side, but on the opposite side from the knot securing the dressing. Figure 4-2 shows reinforcing materials applied to an abdominal wound.