Jaw Injuries

Before applying a bandage to a victim's jaw, remove all foreign material from the victim's mouth including dentures. If the victim is unconscious, check for obstructions in the airway [see: Airway Obstructions]. When applying the bandage, allow the jaw enough freedom to permit passage of air and drainage from the mouth.

Apply bandages and dressing to the jaw. After dressing the wound, apply the bandages using the same technique illustrated in "Wound on top of the Head"

The dressing and bandaging procedure outlined for the jaw serves a twofold purpose. In addition to stopping the bleeding and protecting the wound, it also immobilizes a fractured jaw.

Apply a bandage to the jaw

1. Place the bandage under the chin and carry its ends upward. Adjust the bandage to make one end longer than the other.
2. Take the longer end over the top of the head to meet the short end at the temple and cross the ends over.
3. Take the ends in opposite directions to the other side of the head and tie them over the part of the bandage that was applied first.

This bandage technique is used to immobilize a fractured jaw or to maintain a sterile dressing.