1. Soft Tissue Injuries
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2. What are Soft Tissues? Soft tissues are the layers that
protect underlying body structures.
Types of soft tissues:
Skin
Epidermis
Dermis
Hypodermis
Fatty Tissue
Muscle
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3. Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
Burns
First Degree (Affect only outer layer of skin).
Second and Third Degree (Damage all layers of skin).
Closed Wounds
Bruises and Contusions
Open Wound
Abrasion
Laceration
Avulsion
Puncture
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4. Caring for a Soft Tissue Injury
Preventing Infection
For minor wounds wash with soap and water.
Peroxide and Iodine
Immunization
Control Bleeding
Dressings
Occlusive Dressing
Bandages
Pressure
Adhesive Compress
Roller
Elastic Roller
Triangular
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5. Caring for Wounds Care for a Closed Wound Elevate injury. Apply cold.
Care for a Open Wound
Put on gloves.
Control bleeding.
Apply a dressing and bandage.
Get victim to hospital.
Prevent infection.
Minimize shock by keeping the victim from getting chilled or overheated.
Get the victim to a hospital.
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6. Caring for a Burn
Updated 2016: Don’t apply ice directly to a burn; it can produce tissue ischemia
Updated 2016: Cool thermal burns with cool or cold potable water ASAP for 10 minutes
Updated 2016: If cool or cold water isn’t available, a clean cool or cold (not freezing) compress can be useful
Updated 2016: After cooling a burn, it may be reasonable to loosely cover the burn with a sterile, dry dressing
Updated 2016: Burns associated with or involving blistering/broken, difficulty breathing, etc. should see a medical professional.
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7. Special Situations Chemical Burns Electrical Burns
Remove the chemicals from the body ASAP.
Call EMS
Electrical Burns
Updated 2016: Call EMS immediately
Updated 2016: turn off the power of the source
Electricity can make the heart and respiration stop.
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8. Summary Caring for Wounds Caring for Burns Wear gloves.
Control bleeding and minimize risk of infection.
Get victim to hospital.
Caring for Burns
Heat, chemicals and electricity will cause burns.
Wear gloves, provide initial care, get victim to a hospital.
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9. Frostbite and Hypothermia (2016)
Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related emergencies that may quickly become life or limb threatening.
Prevention is key!
Don’t start an activity in, on, or around cold water unless you know you can get help quickly in an emergency.
Be aware of the wind chill.
Dress appropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long. Wear a hat and gloves with layers of clothing.
Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Stay active to maintain body heat.
Take frequent breaks from the cold.
Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the body to the cold.
Get out of the cold immediately if the signals of hypothermia or frostbite appear.
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10. Frostbite (2016)
Frostbite is the freezing of a specific body part – most common are: fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin.
Frostnip – minor or superficial frostbite.
Because of numbness, you may not realize you have frostbite.
Signs of frostbite:
lack of feeling in the affected area
skin that appears waxy
skin is cold to the touch or is discolored (flushed, white or gray, yellow or blue).
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11. Treating Frostbite/Frostnip (2016)
Move the person to a warm place.
Remove wet clothing; dry and cover victim (prevent hypothermia).
Handle the area gently; never rub the affected area.
Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water (100–105 degrees F) until it appears red and feels warm.
DO NOT use chemical warmers – may cause burns.
Loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressings.
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12. Treating Frostbite/Frostnip (2016)
If the person’s fingers or toes are frostbitten, place dry, sterile gauze between them to keep them separated.
Avoid breaking any blisters.
Do not allow the affected area to refreeze (do not rewarm if any chance it might refreeze or you are close to medical facility).
Seek professional medical care as soon as possible.
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13. Jellyfish Stings (2016) You want to:
Prevent any further discharge from stingers
Pain relief
Treatment to remove stingers
Rinse area with vinegar ASAP for at least 30 seconds. If vinegar not available, use baking soda mixed with water (paste)
MYTH: urinate on the affected area
FACT: urine will cause further stings and pain!
Immerse in hot water/hot shower for at least 20 minutes or as long as pain persists
No pressure bandages – these will release more venom!
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