Soft Tissue Injuries 4/28/2017

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 4/28/2017

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 4/28/2017

Caring for a Soft Tissue Injury Preventing Infection For minor wounds wash with soap and water. Peroxide and Iodine Immunization Control Bleeding http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/resources/eccu/eccu_videos_201601/External_Bleeding_Adult_FINAL.mp4 Dressings Occlusive Dressing Bandages Pressure Adhesive Compress Roller Elastic Roller Triangular 4/28/2017

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. http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/k28.html 4/28/2017

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. http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/k30.html 4/28/2017

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. 4/28/2017

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. 4/28/2017

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. 4/28/2017

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). 4/28/2017

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. 4/28/2017

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. 4/28/2017

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! 4/28/2017