What is the function of a pressure bandage?

The function of a pressure bandage is to create pressure and control bleeding. When applied to a wound, this type of bandage exerts consistent pressure on the injured area, which helps to reduce blood flow and minimize or halt any active bleeding. This aspect is crucial in emergency care, as uncontrolled bleeding can lead to significant blood loss and shock.

Effective bleeding control is vital in trauma scenarios and can be life-saving. The pressure bandage not only aids in clamping down on the bleeding vessels but also promotes clot formation at the wound site, enhancing the body’s natural healing processes. It's specifically designed to be tight enough to provide this necessary pressure without cutting off circulation.

While keeping a wound moist, immobilizing a limb, and preventing infection are all important aspects of wound care, those functions are not the primary role of a pressure bandage. Instead, such bandages are specifically intended to address hemorrhage through the application of direct pressure.