Pressure dressings are used to maintain hemorrhage control after direct pressure or wound packing has been performed. Their primary purpose is to provide sustained pressure over the wound, help maintain clot formation, and reduce the risk of rebleeding during patient movement and transport.

Pressure dressings are particularly effective when used following wound packing and can help secure dressings while allowing providers to continue patient assessment and treatment.

Common pressure dressings include:

• Emergency Trauma Dressing (ETD)
• Israeli Emergency Bandage
• OLAES Modular Bandage
• Other commercial pressure dressing systems designed to maintain direct wound pressure

Key principles of pressure dressing application include:

• Ensure hemorrhage has been controlled prior to application.
• Apply the dressing firmly enough to maintain pressure over the wound.
• Secure the dressing to prevent loosening during patient movement.
• Reassess frequently for continued bleeding.
• Reinforce the dressing if necessary without disrupting clot formation.

Following application, providers should continue to monitor for signs of ongoing hemorrhage, dressing failure, or shock. If bleeding continues despite a properly applied pressure dressing, additional interventions such as wound repacking, additional pressure, or tourniquet application may be required.

Pressure dressings do not replace direct pressure or wound packing. They are used to maintain hemorrhage control and support ongoing patient care throughout transport.

Remember: Pack it, press it, secure it, and reassess it.