Stretch Wrap: The First Aid Game Changer

At RealMed First Aid, we’re big on practical, real-world solutions — the kind that actually work when things get messy. One often-overlooked item that deserves a spot in every serious first aid kit is stretch wrap.

Commonly used in packaging, this simple material offers versatile, lightweight, and waterproof protection that makes it incredibly effective for treating a wide range of injuries in the field.

🩹What Makes Stretch Wrap So Useful 

Stretch wrap has quickly become a favourite among outdoor professionals, emergency responders, and remote first aiders — and for good reason:

• Compact & portable: Mini rolls fit easily into a first aid kit, backpack, or glove box.

• Waterproof & airtight: Perfect for wet or dirty environments where you need to keep wounds clean and protected.

• Tough but flexible: Slightly thicker than cling film, stretch wrap is easier to handle and resists tearing, even with gloves on.

• Adhesive-free: It sticks to itself, not the skin or wound, meaning it won’t pull away delicate tissue when removed.

• Malleable: Conforms around tricky areas like joints, hands, or limbs that are hard to bandage with traditional dressings.

🔥 Ideal for Burns and Wound Protection

Stretch wrap is particularly effective for burn management and covering open wounds:

• It provides a clean, non-stick barrier that helps retain moisture and prevent contamination.

• Always cool burns with running water for at least 20 minutes before applying stretch wrap.

• Apply loosely, never tightly — the goal is to cover, not compress.

This technique protects the injury and helps reduce pain, fluid loss, and infection risk while awaiting medical care.

💪 Support for Fractures and Slings

Stretch wrap also shines as a tool for immobilising fractures and creating makeshift slings in an emergency.

When a proper triangular bandage or splint isn’t available:

• Use stretch wrap to secure a splint (such as a stick, rolled magazine, or padded item) along the injured limb to prevent movement.

• It provides uniform support without the pressure points that tape or cord might create.

• Wrap gently but firmly — ensuring circulation is not compromised.

• For upper limb injuries, you can use stretch wrap to anchor the arm to the body or to reinforce a soft sling, creating a stable and comfortable position.

Its flexibility and self-adhering nature make it far easier to handle than most improvised materials, especially in wet, cold, or windy conditions.

⚠️ A Word of Caution: Don’t Overstretch

Stretch wrap has elastic properties, which means it’s easy to accidentally apply too much tension. When used on limbs, this can restrict circulation.

Before and after application:

1. Check Colour, Sensation, and Movement (CSM) in the fingers or toes of the affected limb.

2. Wrap gently, ensuring the casualty can still move comfortably.

3. Use scissors or trauma shears to cut the wrap when done — tearing it from the roll can unintentionally tighten the layers.

4. Continue to recheck CSM every 5–10 minutes for the first hour.

🧊 Durable in Harsh Environments

Stretch wrap also holds up well in challenging outdoor conditions:

• The thick cardboard core is less likely to collapse when wet.

• The slightly thicker plastic stays pliable in cold temperatures, unlike cling film which can become brittle.

• Even if the outer layer is damaged, the roll remains usable thanks to its self-clinging properties.

🧠 Real-Life Inspiration: Martin McGartland

A remarkable real-world example of improvisation came from Martin McGartland, who survived a 1999 assassination attempt after being shot multiple times. Bleeding heavily, he wrapped his wounds in cling film to stem blood loss, keep air out, and prevent infection — buying himself precious time until help arrived. 

It’s a powerful reminder that simple materials can save lives, especially when used with quick thinking and first aid knowledge.

🧰 Why We Recommend It

At RealMed First Aid, we teach first aiders to be resourceful and efficient. Stretch wrap is an easy, affordable addition to any kit — replacing bulky bandages, protecting against the elements, and offering strong, adaptable support when you need it most.

 Learn Practical First Aid Skills

Want to learn how to use improvised tools like stretch wrap, tourniquets, and wound packing in real scenarios?

📍 Book your next course with RealMed First Aid — where our training is mobile, realistic, and hands-on.
Contact RealMed First Aid at info@realmed.co.nz or visit realmed.co.nz to arrange your on-site training.