Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Sport Related Injuries – Bandanges And Dressings Notes
Bandages and Dressings
Subject: Physical & Health Education — Topic: Sports Related Injuries
Age: 11 years (Kenyan school setting)
What are dressings and bandages?
- A dressing is a clean pad or cloth put over a cut or wound to stop dirt and protect it.
- A bandage holds the dressing in place or supports an injured limb.
To stop bleeding, protect cuts, support sprains, and help players return safely to play or get help.
Common types (easy to find in school or shops)
- Plaster/sticking plaster: small cuts and blisters.
- Sterile gauze/dressing: bigger cuts — keeps wound clean.
- Crepe/roller bandage: holds dressing or gives light compression.
- Triangular bandage (sling): for supporting an injured arm.
- Adhesive tape, scissors, safety pins: to secure bandages.
Simple first aid steps for minor injuries
- Stay calm and tell a teacher, coach or adult.
- Wash hands or use gloves if available.
- Clean the wound with clean water to remove dirt. Do not scrub hard.
- Stop bleeding: press a clean cloth on the cut and raise the limb.
- Put a sterile dressing on the cut and secure with a bandage or plaster.
- Seek help from the school nurse or go to clinic if the cut is deep, keeps bleeding, or dirt won’t come out.
How to make a simple arm sling (triangular bandage)
Use a triangular bandage to support a hurt arm. Always ask an adult to help.
- Open the triangle so the long side is at the top.
- Place the injured arm across the chest with the elbow bent.
- Bring the point of the triangle up over the elbow and tie the two ends behind the neck (not too tight).
- Use a knot or a safety pin to keep the bandage steady. Make sure the hand is higher than the elbow.
\ /
\______/ <- triangle folded over elbow
| |
| | <- hand slightly raised
How to treat a sprain (ankle)
Use RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Tell an adult and do NOT put weight on a badly hurt ankle.
- Rest: stop playing and sit down.
- Ice: put a cold pack wrapped in cloth for 15–20 minutes (ask adult first).
- Compression: wrap a crepe bandage snugly (not too tight) around the ankle.
- Elevation: raise the foot on a chair or pillow to reduce swelling.
When to go to the clinic or hospital
- Bleeding that does not stop after 10–15 minutes of firm pressure.
- Deep cuts, bone may be showing, or very painful injuries.
- Head injuries with dizziness, vomiting or losing consciousness.
- Injury that makes it impossible to move a limb or walk.
Safety and hygiene (very important)
- Always tell a teacher or coach straight away.
- Use clean materials. Do not touch the wound with dirty hands.
- If you are helping, wear gloves if possible or use a clean plastic bag over your hand.
- Change dressings if they get wet or dirty and check the wound each day.
What a simple school first-aid kit should have (Kenyan schools)
- Plasters (assorted sizes), sterile gauze, crepe bandage, triangular bandage.
- Antiseptic wipes or solution, gloves, scissors, safety pins, adhesive tape.
- Cold pack, basic pain reliever (kept by nurse), notebook for injury record.
- List of emergency numbers and nearest clinic or hospital.
Helpful tips for learners
- Practice making a sling on a teddy or pillow with a teacher present.
- Always wear the right sports shoes and pads to prevent injuries.
- Keep the school first-aid kit where everyone can find it.
- Know where the school nurse and nearest clinic are located.
If serious, tell an adult and call your parent or caregiver. For ambulance or police, Kenya uses 999 or 112. Also know your school’s emergency plan.
Practice makes you useful: ask a teacher to show you how to use a bandage safely. Remember — bandages and dressings help, but adults and health professionals make the final decisions for serious injuries.