If You Only Remember This…

• Pressure dressings and trauma bandages provide controlled, sustained compression to control bleeding — they bridge the gap between basic gauze and more aggressive interventions like tourniquets and hemostatics
• The two most common pressure dressings are the Israeli Emergency Bandage and the NAR® Emergency Trauma Dressing (ETD)
• Choose based on wound size (4" vs. 6"), application location (extremity, abdomen, head), and whether you need a single dressing or facility-grade multi-pack

What Are Pressure Dressings & Trauma Bandages?

Pressure dressings are sterile bandages with built-in pressure mechanisms (a pressure bar, elastic wrap, or compression closure) that allow a single rescuer to apply firm, sustained pressure to a wound while keeping their hands free. They're a staple of military, EMS, and civilian trauma care because they work for a wide range of wounds without specialized training.

Unlike basic gauze — which requires the rescuer to hold pressure manually — pressure dressings let you apply, secure, and move on to other interventions or another patient.

What's Inside This Collection

• Israeli Emergency Bandage (4" and 6") — with built-in pressure bar; 6" is the standard for extremity and torso wounds, 4" for smaller wounds and pediatric use
• NAR® Emergency Trauma Dressing (ETD) — 6" flat configuration favored by U.S. military and tactical medics for its sterile package and rapid application
• Israeli Abdominal Pad (8") — oversized dressing for abdominal wounds and large-area bleeds
• Multi-packs — 2-packs and bulk options for facility coverage and refills

How to Choose the Right Dressing

1. Match Size to Wound
6" dressings are the default for most extremity and torso wounds. 4" dressings handle smaller wounds, head and neck injuries, and pediatric patients. 8" abdominal pads are for larger trauma involving the trunk.

2. Pressure Bar vs. Flat Format
The Israeli Emergency Bandage has a pressure bar that creates a controlled, focused compression point. The NAR® ETD uses a flat design that's faster to deploy in tactical environments. Both work — pick the one your training emphasizes.

3. Pair With Hemostatics
Pressure dressings work well in combination with QuikClot® Combat Gauze for serious wounds. Pack the wound with hemostatic gauze first, then secure with a pressure dressing.

4. Stock for Your Use Case
Individual carry: one 6" dressing per kit. Vehicle or family kits: two or more, plus a 4" backup. Facility or agency: multi-packs sized to expected casualty load.

5. Verify Sterility & Expiration
All dressings have expiration dates. Inspect annually and rotate before expiration. Keep packaging sealed until use.

Who This Collection Is For (And Who It's Not For)

This is for you if: You're refilling a trauma kit, building a custom IFAK, or stocking pressure dressings for personal, agency, or facility use.

This may not be for you if: You need basic adhesive bandages or wound care for minor cuts (see our Wound & Burn Care collection).

Ready to Add Pressure Dressings to Your Kit?

Browse the collection below for Israeli bandages, NAR® ETDs, abdominal pads, and multi-packs. Every product is selected for sterile reliability and proven application.

Training is strongly recommended. Stop the Bleed® or equivalent instruction supports proper use.