The ‘Israeli Bandage’ is a highly recommended item for First Aid Kit trauma preparedness. The Israeli Bandage consists of a large sterile non-adherent pad surface to cover the wound, and is attached to a length of elasticized material (like an ‘ACE bandage) to wrap and uniquely apply pressure to a hemorrhaging wound with a built-in pressure applicator, potentially saving a life between the time of incident to urgent care…
It’s one thing to simply have the Israeli Bandage in your kit, however you should know what it looks like after it has been removed from its vacuum sealed packaging and you should know how to use it (it’s easy, but you should see it ahead of time).
Here’s how to use the Israeli Bandage:
About the Israeli Bandage:
The emergency bandage was developed in Israel (no surprise?) in 1984 by Bernard Bar-Natan, who was in training to become a military medic. Eventually during 1991 the idea and the design were developed enough to receive a government support grant which eventually led to the first bandages being sold in 1998. Today the company produces 1.5 to 2 million bandages a year.
While the Israeli Bandage is used by the United States and International military units, the bandage is also used by EMS, Industrial, and Hospital arenas. The emergency bandage is a great choice for a personal First Aid Kit at home, in the vehicle, or in any E-kit while in an environment which may risk traumatic injury.
Unique Features Of The Israeli Bandage
1. Sterile non-adhering dressing allows removal without reopening wound.
2. Pressure Applicator (a pressure bar) aligns over the wound to help stop the bleeding.
3. Closure Bar to secure the bandage after it’s wrapped and to apply additional pressure.
Video How-To Use The Israeli Bandage
The best way to learn how to use the Israeli Bandage is to simply watch it being applied. I found a very informative YouTube video which shows the process and various uses.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Open the outer package by ripping open at any corner ‘notch’.
2. Remove the bandage from the clear inner-wrap by ripping its center ‘notch’.
3. Unfold to expose the bandage, one hand holding the end, other hand holding the ‘wrap’ roll.
4. Place bandage over wound with the ‘pressure applicator’ offset to the side of the wound.
5. Wrap one revolution of the elasticized fabric, then insert in/through the ‘pressure applicator’ and begin wrapping in the opposite direction – tightening as you go…
6. When fully wrapped, insert ends of the ‘closure bar’ into the wrapped fabric to hold in place.
Tip: While the Israeli Bandage is very effective at stopping/minimizing traumatic wound bleeding (by applying pressure), a ‘QuikClot’ sponge in conjunction with the Israeli Bandage is a great lifesaving combination.
May be something well worthwhile having in that ATV kit huh?
Ever been out riding in the forest and have a tree branch “reach out and stab ya”.
And at $9.15 on Amazon, that’s cheap insurance to have in all of the “E-Kits” no????
NRP
have several in my GHB.
don’t leave home w/o them
Have one in our primary medical bag.
Thanks for the video, Ken. It does make a difference, being able to see it used for some different wounds including the under and around head wrap and adding another pad inside to cover both sides of an in-and-out wound. Very helpful!
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video must be worth…? 😉
Yes indeed, it makes a big difference to see it being applied. For many, they might just buy one but not open it up to check it out (because it would ruin the sterilization). If you ever actually need to use the bandage, it’s better to have some prior knowledge what you’re doing…and a video demonstration is adequate for this particular First Aid ‘tool’ to get the point across.
Thanks for the video. After watching it I asked the person who will be in the medic if SHTF to watch it. I think I will be ordering different sizes, which I didn’t know existed. Thanks so much. I learn so much at this site.
There are a number of different sizes… 4,6,8 inches, plus you can get them with a 2nd bandage for exit wounds, and there’s even a larger one for chest wounds.
What if the injured is a Palestinian?
Peaceful or Violent one? Suicide bomber vest?
Why would you say that?
Gallows humour. Not always funny but frequently poignant.
My preference is the North American Rescue ETD or the Olaes. Both have strips that keep the rolled bandage from “rolling out” if you loose your grip on it. A great feature for the medically inexperienced or untrained.
(30+ yrs EMS in a major city)
Thanks for your input on the ‘North American Rescue Emergency Trauma Dressing’ !
The current Israeli Bandage does have a sort of ‘thread’ that holds the roll from ‘rolling out’, and as you unroll it the thread releases. Nice feature…
Be aware of the expiration dates on these bandages. I bought a couple at a knife & gun show several years ago and didn’t realize, at the time, they had an expiration date. The ones I bought had expired.
At some point I decided to open one to see first hand how they worked. I don’t recall how long after the expiration date this occurred. Anyway, when I opened it, the plastic pressure bar and the plastic closure bare crumbled into lots of little pieces. I don’t know if this is a common occurrence. I’ve not opened any since that time. Just be aware that if it is past it’s expiration, it may not be able to be used as designed.
It sounds like you got some physically already-damaged goods from whomever you purchased from at that gun show.
Regarding so called ‘expiration dates’, apparently all bandages have one. This is mostly a ‘cover-your-a$$’ thing to guarantee the sterile nature of the bandage.
If the package is still holding a vacuum seal, it ought to be good to go…
@ Ken J.
Now that you’re here, I noticed a “mobile” bandage pad (second pad)in the vid, is that something you know more about, is it an add-on or ??? Bandage Brain dead here…..
NRP
The Israeli Bandages linked above have one pad.
This one however has an additional sliding pad for an exit wound:
Israeli Emergency Bandage – 4″ with Sliding Pads
@ Ken J.
In the Product Description (last line) of the 6” one linked in your article; “This model includes a sliding/mobile pad for coverage of entry and exit wounds.” Not the 4” one.
Or am I reading this description on Amazon incorrectly?
NRP
You’re right. This particular 6″ model does evidently have a sliding pad. I missed that… Thanks for the correction and clarification. Looks like I need better eye glasses, and this bandage has even more value…
@ $9.36ish thats a heck of a good deal. Well worth it to have some scattered in the “bags”.
Good call old man, thanks for the contunied info. Please keep the ideas coming.
NRP
Ken
Thank you for the video.
I had heard of this style of bandage, but until now knew very little about it. Dh is also interested in this, will show him the video so he will have a better understanding of it. Yes, we will had this to our supplies. My sister & I do not exchange gifts during the holidays, but Santa might leave this under her tree.
Thanks for the video. It really explained the proper way to use the Israeli bandage.
I have found the 6″ dressings fit rather well into the AR magazine molle pouches.
Much better prices on Ebay, and also offers bulk discounts.
Ken, Thanks for the video. I am familiar on how they work, but did not realize they come in different sizes and with a 2nd bandage. Again I have learned something new from this site.
Time to go shopping. These are a must have for every 1st aid kit. You should actually have several. Better safe than sorry.
Adapt and Overcome.
Added to my wishlist
I also have these in storage. I did read how to use it and it was a bit confusing. The video is much better.
Ken, had to laugh…
I clicked on the 4″ bandage link to amazon…it pops up as a “subscribe and save” item…like someone plans on using this monthly? lol scary
dude
That wouldn’t be good! I wonder how many one would need per month?? 😉
It may be a way to spread the amount of what you want to purchase over a year-long period? Makes for a lesser charge to the CC each month. Just a thought. You still get to the desired stored number but over a longer time frame. Like dollar-cost averaging a stock or mutual fund. Not that I have any of those left. LOL Loclyokel
good video,thanks. I’m not good at reading instructions but watching someone using it is great.
If they say a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth… ?
Glad it helped.