1. When using gauze bandages, one may tear open the wrapper of a gauze pad, since one is simply destroying the insignificant outer cover to extract the item from inside (Halachos of Refuah on Shabbos, p.331).

2. It is forbidden to cut a piece of tape or gauze to the length needed, as this may be a violation of kore’a (tearing) for constructive purposes, as well as mechatech (cutting to a specific measure). One should try to cut any tape or gauze needed before Shabbat to avoid this problem (see Mishnah Berurah 322:18; Halachos of Refuah on Shabbos, p.331). If this was not done, one can wrap the entire gauze pad around the wound. In pressing cases where other options are not feasible, one may perhaps cut it with a shinui and not measure the size too carefully. One should preferably not tape the gauze to itself, similar to what was discussed concerning a regular bandage, that some opinions view this as a violation of tofer (sewing). Instead, one should tuck it in without tying a knot, secure the end with a clip or safety pin, or temporarily tie it with a bow (Shulchan Shlomo 328:45). If that is not possible or ineffective to stop the bleeding, one may rely on the more lenient opinions and tape the gauze to itself.

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