The recurrent bandage is the best kind of bandage that we can employ
for general purposes. The method of putting it on the leg is as
follows:--Apply the end of the bandage that is free, with the outside
of it next the skin, and hold this end with the finger and thumb of
the left hand, while some one supports the heel of the patient; then
with the right hand pass the bandage over the piece you are holding,
and keep it crossed thus, until you can place your right forefinger
upon the spot where it crosses the other bandage, where it must be
kept firm. Now hold the roll of the bandage in your left hand, with
the palm turned upwards, and _taking care to keep that part of the
bandage between your right forefinger, and the roll in your left hand,
quite slack_; turn your left hand over, and bring the bandage down
upon the leg; then pass the roll under the leg towards your right
hand, and repeat this until the leg is bandaged up to the knee, taking
care _not to drag_ the bandage at any time during the process of
bandaging. When you arrive at the knee, pass the bandage round the leg
in circles just below the knee, and pin it as usual.
Bandaging is very easy, and if you once see any one apply a bandage
properly, and attend to these rules, there will not be any difficulty;
but bear one thing in mind, without which you will never put on a
bandage even decently; and that is, _never to drag_ or pull at a
bandage, but make the turns while it is slack, and you have your right
forefinger placed upon the point where it is to be folded down. When a
limb is properly bandaged, the folds should run in a line
corresponding to the shin-bone. Use, to retain dressings, and for
varicose veins.