Cohesive Bandage

A cohesive bandage is one of the most common materials found in a first aid kit. Used in sports such as football, soccer, tennis and golf, a cohesive bandage is ideal for taping the joints to provide more support to what may be an already weakened area. Also used for compression, a cohesive bandage helps prevent swelling during the early stages of an injury. As it is generally made of elasticized yarn and latex, a cohesive bandage is lightweight and flexible, contouring to the part of the body on which it is being used. It is also porous, allowing a wound to breathe so that it can heal faster. Cohesive bandages are often used as "blood spill" bandages for head wounds as they compress the area, helping to contain blood flow.

What to Look for

A good cohesive bandage sticks to itself, not the skin, hair or clothes. In addition, it should not leave any residue once it has been taken off the area. Cohesive bandages should be easy to tear by hand and come in rolls measuring approximately 2 inches by 5 yards, with other sizes available depending on the area to be taped. Some cohesive bandages are made solely of cotton, which absorbs blood and sweat more efficiently than those made with latex. A good idea is to have both the yarn and latex blend as well as the cotton model in your first aid kit. Make sure the rolls you buy are wrapped individually to keep them in sanitary condition. Cohesive bandages come in white and tan.

Common Pitfalls

As with any first aid material, proper disposal is essential. Make sure you place used bandages in a sealed plastic bag and then throw the bag in the trash. This way animals or small children will not inadvertently be exposed to blood and bacteria. Change your dressings often if your cohesive bandage is covering a wound. Make sure you clean the area thoroughly before reapplying the bandage. Be careful not to wrap your joints or another injured area too tightly. You will want to feel some compression, but not so much that blood circulation is impaired. If you are using a cohesive bandage on a "blood spill" wound, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible to have the area treated professionally.