1. When removing a bandage for use, it is permitted to rip open a bandage wrapper on Shabbat since one is destroying the outer cover in order to extract the bandage inside, which is generally permitted (see Mishnah Berurah 314:25 and Chazon Ish 61:2).

2. If possible, when opening the wrapper, one should try to avoid ripping printed words on the wrapper, since most poskim forbid this due to mochek (erasing) (see Rema 340:3; Mishna Berura 340:16; Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 9:13). Some poskim permit this, maintaining that ripping letters in this fashion is not considered constructive, and is not included in the normal manner of erasing (see Mishnah Berurah 340:17, citing Dagul Merevavah; Yalkut Yosef 340, Mochek). Even according to the more accepted, stricter opinion, if the bandage is needed for a serious wound, it is permitted to rip words if necessary, preferably with a shinui, but if necessary, even without one (Shulchan Shlomo, Shabbat 340:22).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.