Roller Bandages
Roller bandages are the classic image that comes to mind when thinking of the word ‘bandage’. They are long strips of gauze, crepe, or linen that are usually rolled up; hence the name. it is unknown when or where this design of wound dressing appears. Many examples of this bandage can be seen in antiquity like ancient Greek pottery or Egyptian mummies (Davis 71). This very identifiable dressing is one of, if not the most, common bandage being used in the world. This bandage’s design allows for the coverage of very large areas without worrying about lack of pressure or leaving areas exposed (Harmer 261). Perhaps this is the reason for this bandage’s prolific presence in medical care, as it was multipurpose and easy to apply.
Mask and Foot cover of "Corn Mummy." 400-250 BCE. Photo: The Met Collection, The Met Fifth Avenue Gallery 133, New York. 44.6.1
By the nineteenth century this bandage had remained a major part of wound care. Bandages would be hand rolled into a firm compact (Davis 68). The technique to properly apply the roller bandage took skill and practice. If the bandage is applied too tightly it can result in gangrene, apply too loosely and it can fall off (Davis 75). Half way into the nineteenth century roller machines become popular tools amongst nurses. This allowed nurses to roll the bandages quicker and easier. The machine came with adjustable rods to accommodate for different sizes (Stephens 2026).
The roller bandage stays the same in concept today. A rolled strip of gauze or cotton, but the main difference is that the modern roller bandage is pre-rolled and prepackaged before arriving at the hospital (Davis 50). The amount of labour and time required for a sterile, rolled bandage is drastically lower than historical examples. Yet the amount of waste and cost is much more. The trade-off being that the bandages are guaranteed to be sterile and ready for use at all times (Beveridge and Power 2026).
Roller Bandage 5cm x 3m. Photo: vmedo.com