[Nick Heath]

Trip leaders should be aware that our First Aid Kits may not contain any tensor bandage, as used commonly to control swelling and provide bracing in the event of a joint sprain. Transport Canada’s requirement, which we have tried our best to meet, is for “4 m of elastic bandage”.

Our kits have 2 “compression” bandages/dressings (that I recall were once known as  “shell dressings”) but these are different and are used for bleeding wounds.

We needed the elastic tensor bandage on a recent trip, but fortunately members had some in their personal kits.

I expect this item is missing from all of the SKABC kits, because the printed list of contents did not show this item. I think the terminology used in describing items has led to some minor confusion.

Topic

[Maureen Benzon]

Since this post I have been wondering about the actual difference between a tensor banadage and a compressor bandage. The are variables like “long stretch” and “short stretch” but Alberta heallth has this to say:

What is a compression bandage?
A compression bandage is a long strip of stretchable cloth that you can wrap around a sprain or strain. It’s also called an elastic bandage or a Tensor bandage. The gentle pressure of the bandage helps reduce swelling, so it may help the injured area feel better.

Elastic sleeves that you can pull over an injured area work the same way. Bandages and sleeves are not expensive. You can buy them at most pharmacies.
How do you use one?
A compression bandage may help most to prevent swelling in the first few days after your injury. You can wear it longer than that, as long as it doesn’t make your pain worse.

Putting on a compression bandage is easy, and you can do it at home. The steps are similar, whether for a wrist, an ankle, or anywhere else you would wear one. Follow any instructions that come with the bandage.

[Maureen Benzon]

Thank you Heather,

I think because of the difficulty of distribution, trip leaders can purchase these themselves if they wish. I will have supplies for everyone in November

Unless someone would like to deliver to all trip leaders. We have 16 kits with leaders.

[Heather Kirk]

I just measured the length of the (very standard-looking) tensor bandage in my first aid kit. It’s 1.6 meters. There are very similar ones at my local Canadian Tire. They have 11 in stock. They’re a similar length to mine. Would you like to get some of these so that we have tensor bandages in the kits, even though they’re not as long as Transport Canada states? Let me know if you’d like me to pick some up.

[Maureen Benzon]

Thanks Nick,

We will need to update our first aid kits. As you know we simply followed the guidelines. Ommisions like this should be reported as trips leaders notice so we can remedy the situation. I will update the contents at the end of the year when we have our annual trip leader meeting.

Until then, we are all aware and can update our own kits as we feel fit.

[Author]

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