An occlusive dressing is a special type of first surgical aid that comes with injuries to the chest. With a through wound, the pressure inside it becomes the same with the external (atmospheric), which makes the breathing process impossible. This phenomenon is called pneumothorax. To prevent air from entering through the "extra" hole, it is necessary to seal the wound. This is the purpose of occlusive dressings.
Without a doubt, the main task in such injuries remains to bring the wounded to an experienced surgeon as soon as possible. So that he lives to the hospital, the application of occlusive dressings is used.
Dressing for minor damage
Wounds come in different sizes. The technique for applying an occlusive dressing depends on this. If the hole is small, the wounded sits, the skin around the wound is disinfected with the antiseptic that is at hand. It is also advisable to introduce an anesthetic. A sterile pillow (rubberized) is placed on the wound. Care must be taken to ensure that the entire process takes place on expiration. 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 sealing, the edges of the applied piece can be glued to the skin with a band-aid or tape. And from above, the entire structure is fixed with bandages. A wound, if it is at shoulder level, is bandaged spirally, if lower, with a spikelet.
Extensive damage dressing
If the wound is large in size, the occlusive dressing with open pneumothorax is applied a little differently. Firstly, the victim is not sitting, but reclining. The skin along the edges of the wound should be cleaned with iodonate. Anesthesia is necessary, otherwise the person runs the risk of death from pain shock. The wound site is no longer covered with a pillow, but with a sterile napkin or bandage, previously folded several times. Around it, the skin is smeared with petroleum jelly for better adhesion of the sealant, and it should be wider than in the first case. Next is a cotton swab and gauze, which is ten centimeters wider than the oilcloth. Fixation of such occlusive dressings is made according to the same rules by which they are fixed with small injuries. The only difference is that it is necessary to make sure the dressings are dry and that all parts are securely fixed.
After applying occlusive dressings before the wounded is admitted to the hospital, it is necessary to closely monitor his condition. If breathing difficulties are noted, palpitations become more frequent, profuse sweat begins to appear, 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 include 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 sour cream-like state. The foot is smeared with a warm composition, it is bandaged on top, then again ointment and again a bandage - five to six layers. These overlap within a month and are very helpful in the treatment. They are called occlusive because they require a tight seal.