A bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device such as a dressing or splint, or on its own to provide support to the body. They can also be used to restrict a part of the body. During heavy bleeding or following a poisonous bite, it is important to slow the flow of blood. Tight bandages accomplish this task very well. Bandages are available in a wide range of types: from generic cloth strips, to specialized shaped bandages designed for a specific limb or part of the body. Bandages can often be improvised as the situation demands, using clothing, blankets or other material.

See also:

• cast
• neck_brace
• wraps