Bandaging Relay: Ankle and Hand Wraps

In groups, students learn the figure-eight ankle wrap and a hand wrap, then use them in a relay where each pair runs to a station, wraps and returns once it passes inspection. Students practice first aid for sprains and minor bumps, hand accuracy and cooperation.

How to play

1. Spend 5 minutes demonstrating the figure-eight ankle wrap: foot at 90 degrees, start at the toes, cross in a figure eight over the front of the ankle and finish above it, not too tight. Show the hand wrap too.
2. In pairs, practice each wrap twice, one seated as the injured person and one wrapping (8 minutes). Check the color of the toes or fingers after every wrap.
3. Make 5 teams of 5: two pairs plus a checker who rotates each round. About 15 yards from each team, set up a station with a cone, two bandages and a chair or mat to sit on.
4. On the signal, one pair runs to the station: one sits, the other wraps the ankle or hand as shown on the card and raises a hand for the checker.
5. If the wrap is correct, they unwrap it, roll up the bandage and run back to tag the next pair. Each approved wrap scores a point. Play for about 8 minutes.
6. Finish by reviewing sprain care with RICE: rest, ice wrapped in a cloth, compression with a bandage and elevation.

Rules

• The wrap must not be too tight: if fingers or toes turn pale, cold or painful, loosen it.
• Never run with an unrolled bandage in your hand, so nobody trips.
• Roll up every bandage before returning to base.
• Never wrap over a real injury; this is practice only.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student serves as checker with a checklist or wraps while seated.
• Visual impairment: practice slowly with hand-over-hand guidance and use two-color bandages to feel the overlap.
• Fine motor difficulties: start with wider bandages and the hand wrap.

Learning goals

• Apply a compression wrap to an ankle and a hand correctly.
• Check circulation after wrapping.
• Know the basic steps for treating a sprain.

Equipment for a class of 25

• elastic bandages: 25
• cones: 10
• first-aid kit: 1

Teacher tip

A wrap never replaces seeing a doctor if there is severe pain or deformity. Open the first-aid kit at base to show what is inside.

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