Emergency advice

Hand bandage:

  1. Wrap bandage around wrist, across back of hand and around fingers in a figure of 8.
  2. Secure end around wrist.
  3. Check circulation.

What to do

  1. Start by putting the end of the bandage on the inside of their wrist, below the bottom of their thumb. Wrap the bandage around their wrist, twice.

  2. Then wrap the bandage from the inside of their wrist, diagonally across the back of their hand up to the nail of their little finger. Then pass the bandage straight across the front of their fingers.

  3. Pass the bandage diagonally across the back of their hand to the outside of their wrist. Then wrap under their wrist.

  4. Repeat this figure of eight until only the finger tips are still peeking out. When wrapping, only cover two thirds of the previous layer, so that with each new layer you’re covering a third of new skin.

  5. When you’ve covered the hand, wrap the bandage around the wrist twice and fasten the end using a safety pin, sticky tape or by tucking it in.

  6. Once you have finished check their circulation. You can do this by pressing a finger nail on the hand for five seconds until it goes pale. If the colour doesn’t come back within two seconds, the bandage is too tight so you’ll need to loosen it and do it again. Keep checking their circulation every 10 minutes.

Browse our first aid products:

First aid dressings, bandages and tape

First aid dressings, bandages and tape

Shop now


 

Our training courses:

First aid courses

First aid courses

View


Related first aid advice

Strains and sprains

Injuries to the soft structure around the bones and joints are commonly called strains and sprains. They are often associated with sports activities.

How to put on a bandage

Bandages can be used to support injured joints, secure dressings and control bleeding.

How to do elbow and knee bandages

Elbow and knee injuries such as sprains and strains can be supported by a roller bandage. Find out how to do elbow and knee bandages.

School child smiling with bandage around head