We have found that when there is a need for gauze pads, sterile dressings, and bandaging materials, we don’t usually have enough. Even when we think we have plenty stored, we end up not having enough.
What if you found yourself in a situation where gauze pads, sterile dressings, and bandaging materials were needed but you couldn’t get to a drugstore or grocery store for more? Wouldn’t it be a valuable skill if you knew how to make your own?
These dressings are reusable and can be made ahead of time and stored.
White sheets are a good inexpensive source of fabric. Buy flat sheets to get the most usable amount of fabric. They don’t need to be high thread count sheets. Low thread count sheets are better (think about how loose the weave is in gauze pads) and less expensive.
REUSABLE STERILE DRESSINGS (Simply Prepared: A Guide to Emergency Preparedness and Food Storage, revised edition)
Materials:
• White material, preferably 100% cotton
• Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Wash and dry material.
- For 2”x2” dressing, cut a 6” square of fabric. For 3”x3” dressing, cut a 9” square of fabric. For 4”x4” dressing, cut a 12” square of fabric.
- Fold each square in thirds.
- Fold each folded piece of fabric in thirds to form a square.
For the rest of the instructions (with pictures) and instructions for cleaning and sanitizing the used dressings for reuse, see “Reusable Sterile Dressings” on simplyprepared.com
When cleaning used dressings, remember to wear gloves as instructed so that you don’t come in contact with the blood and body fluids on the dressings.
