Prepare, apply and attach dressings, wound supports and drains to individuals

​This standard covers assisting with the preparation and application of dressings, wound supports and drains following surgical intervention.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
7. select and prepare an appropriate dressing or wound support to suit the size and type of wound
8. use suitable non-allergenic dressings where individual allergies have been identified
9. prepare specified drains ready for use

10. apply or attach the dressing, wound support or drain:

    • using appropriate techniques
    • in line with manufacturer's instructions
    • in a manner which optimises the individual's comfort and dignity and minimises pain and trauma
      

11. maintain the sterility of the sterile dressing or wound support prior to and during application and check that:

    • the pressure exerted by the dressing or wound support is consistent with the type of wound
    • drains are secured effectively and appropriately
    • vacuum seals on drains are intact
    • drains are positioned to prevent inappropriate syphonage and/or individual harm
      

12. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. the application of standard precautions to the preparation and application of dressings, wound supports and drains and the of potential consequences of poor practice
13. the anatomy of the skeleton and peripheral nervous system related to the application of cast materials
14. the anatomy and physiology of the skin related to the application of dressings and wound supports
15. the principles of wound healing

16. potential complications of wound healing

    • asepsis
    • antisepsis
    • cross infection
      

17. how the surgical field contributes to the control of infection

18. potential sources of contamination when preparing surgical fields and appropriate measures to reduce or deal with them
19. the types and action of pathogens specific to the individual and wound infection
20. the potential consequences of wound contamination
21. the types, purpose and function of medical devices used in the application of dressings, wound supports and drains
22. factors which affect the choice of medical devices for individuals
23. factors which affect the choice of appropriate sites for attaching medical devices during individual preparation
24. factors to consider in choosing dressings, wound supports and drains
25. the principles of wound care and dressings, including peripheral circulation assessment (manual or doppler) wound care and drainage
26. methods and techniques for preparing and applying dressings and wound supports
27. methods and techniques for preparing, attaching and securing drains
28. the specific lines of accountability within the surgical team
29. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHPCS18

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Perioperative, care, prepare, apply, attach, dressings, wound, supports, drains

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