Treating Fractures in the Field

Lesson 6: Roller Bandages

6-8

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6-8. APPLY A RECURRENT WRAP

A recurrent wrap is used for a stump (amputated limb), finger, or hand. The procedures given below are for securing a dressing applied to a complete amputation.

Figure 6-7. Applying a recurrent bandage to a stump.

a. Apply an anchor wrap above the stump. Apply the wrap so the apex will be pointing toward the stump when it is folded down over the bandage (see figure 6-7 A).

b. Bring the bandage down diagonally across the front of the limb (see figure 6-7A) and around the stump, encasing the edge of the dressing. Hold the bandage in back so it will not slip.

c. Bring the bandage to the front.

d. Move diagonally up across the front of the limb, forming an "X" pattern with the downward diagonal (see figure 6-7 B).

e. Encircle the "X" pattern at the anchor point with one complete turn.

f. Form the first recurrent (running back to the source). Put your thumb on the top of the bandage to keep it in place, make a fold, bring the bandage down, over the far side of the dressing, and up the back (see figure 6-7 C). Hold the dressing in place on the back of the limb with your index finger.

g. Form the second recurrent. Make a fold at the back and bring the bandage down, over the opposite side of the dressing, and up the front (see figure 6-7 D).

h. Form the third recurrent. Make a fold at the front, then bring the bandage down over the center of the dressing and up the back.

i. Lock the recurrents in place with a complete turn 3 to 4 inches from the bottom of the stump (below the anchor wrap).

j. Move diagonally across the stump from the locking turn encasing the edges of the recurrents; then move back diagonally forming another "X" pattern.

k. Overlap the "X" pattern with half the width of the bandage (circular turn).

l. Tape, clip, or tie the end of the bandage (see figure 6-6 E).

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