What Is a Combine Pad?
A Combine pad is a large dressing that consists of two parts, an inner layer made of either a single piece of fleece or several layers of cotton, and an outer layer made of a non-woven material that fully covers the inner layer. The outer layer has two ends sealed with a waterproof material, so it almost resembles a candy wrapper. Combine pads are large and very useful for wounds on the abdomen. So, many people call them ABD pads.
What Does a Combine Pad Do?
A combine pad is for heavily bleeding or exuding wounds. The outer layer works to wick moisture and fluids away from the wound and into the inner layer. The sealed ends help prevent the bandage from seeping. The outer layer also forms a barrier that protects the wound from external contaminants.
When Should You Use a Combine Pad
A combine pad should be used on heavily bleeding or exuding wounds. They can be either a primary or secondary dressing. Since combine pads do not have adhesive, they need to be secured by a tape or wrap.
To care for a wound, apply the combine pad directly to the wound and apply pressure. Keep the pressure until the bleeding slows and then secure the pad tightly with tape or an elastic bandage. If the wound is bleeding extremely heavily, apply a different nonadherent dressing and then place the combine dressing on top.
Types of Wounds to Use a Combine Pad on
A combine pad is a great option for stab wounds, gunshot wounds, and wounds that rupture an artery.
A combine pad can handle stab wounds and slice wounds very well because of its large size. If the wound is deep, packing the wound with gauze will be necessary. Packing a wound applies pressure to areas pressure on the surface would not be able to reach and helps begin blood clotting.
For gunshot wounds, packing is always necessary. It is also necessary to look for exit wounds. Depending on the caliber of bullet and area of body struck, the bullet may have travelled completely through. This means you now have two points where the victim is bleeding, and both need to be addressed.
In cases where an artery is ruptured, which can include stab and gunshot wounds, a tourniquet will be necessary. Apply the tourniquet 2-3 inches above the wound and tighten until bleeding stops. If the bleeding does not stop, apply a second tourniquet above the first. Use a combine pad and pack the wound if you can’t get a second tourniquet and the wound is still bleeding. If there is no tourniquet available apply pressure to both the wound and a pressure point to slow bleeding.
What If There’s No Med Kit?
If there is no med kit available, using a clean cloth, towel, rag or piece of clothing can be used instead of gauze or combine pad. For clothes, as long as the article of clothing isn’t covered in dirt, oil, blood that isn’t the victim’s, or anything else that could cause an infection, it can be used. The only piece of medical equipment that should not be improvised is a tourniquet. Improvised tourniquets will not apply pressure correctly and may not be able to apply the pressure consistently. If a tourniquet is not available, apply pressure directly to the wound and to a pressure point.
What Can You Do Right Now?
Bleeding is the most common controllable cause of death following an injury. Being prepared and properly equipped is the best way to help prevent deaths caused by blood loss. Combine pads, gauze, dressings, and tourniquets are the most effective tools for stopping blood loss. Make sure your med kit is properly stocked with the things you need to prevent blood loss. Taking courses offered by Prevent The Bleed is a great way to get educated and help yourself be prepared if you are ever in a life-threatening situation.
