Why tie a pressure bandage with a bow?

A pressure bandage should be tied with a bow, so that it can be loosened — rather than cut — to examine the wound, and then retied.

This procedure helps to conserve supplies and saves time. The bandage maintains the direct pressure needed to stop the bleeding.

CERT members: continue to assess the victim’s status.

If the victim’s limb is turning blue or becoming numb below the bandage, then it should be loosened.