CUTS, SCRAPES, BURNS and BRUISES First Aid CUTS, SCRAPES, BURNS and BRUISES

An injury to the soft tissue is called a wound. WOUNDS An injury to the soft tissue is called a wound.

CLOSED WOUNDS BRUISES Develops when the body is bumped or hit. Force of the blow damages the soft tissue layers beneath the skin, causing internal bleeding. Blood and other fluids seep into the surrounding tissues, causing the area to change color and swell.

CARING FOR CLOSED WOUNDS RICE ELEVATION REST ICE COMPRESSION

Apply ice to a closed wound to help control swelling and pain.

OPEN WOUNDS In an open wound, the break in the skin can be as minor as a scrape of the surface layers, or as severe as a deep penetration. The amount of bleeding depends on the location and severity of the injury. There are 4 types.

ABRASION Most common. Caused by something rubbing against the skin. Do not bleed much, but can get easily infected. Often called a SCRAPE.

LACERATION Cut in the skin commonly caused by a sharp object. Deep lacerations can cut layers of skin, fat and muscle. Can become easily infected in not treated properly.

AVULSIONS An avulsion is an injury where a portion of the skin is partially torn off or completely torn off. Worst case scenarios are amputations. Bleeding is significant

PUNCTURE Caused by pointy objects such as a nail, piercing the skin. Do not always bleed a lot. Carries germs into the blood stream more frequently.

6 Steps to Controlling External Bleeding Check the scene, check the person. Obtain consent (put gloves on) Cover with a sterile dressing Apply direct pressure until bleeding stops. Cover dressing with a bandage If bleeding does not stop, apply more dressing, call 9-1-1.

SIGNALS OF INTERAL BLEEDING Tender, swollen, bruised or hard area of the body. Rapid, weak pulse Skin that feels cool or moist or looks bluish. Vomiting or coughing up blood. Excessive thirst Becoming confused, faint, drowsy or unconscious.

BURNS Burns are classified by their sources: Also classified by depth: Heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation Also classified by depth: Deeper the burn, worse it is. Superficial (1st Degree) Partial Thickness (2nd Degree) Full Thickness (3rd Degree)

1st Degree Burns Involves only the top layer of the skin. Skin is red and dry, usually painful and the area may swell. Usually heals within a week without permanent scaring.

2nd Degree Burns Involves the top & middle layers of skin. Skin is red; usually painful; has blisters that may weep fluid; often swells. Usually heals in about 3-4 weeks and may scar.

3rd Degree Burn May destroy all layers of the skin and some underlying structures. May be brown or black with tissue appearing white. Extremely painful. Requires medical assistance for healing and will scar.

8 Steps to Caring for a Burn Check the Scene for Safety. Stop the Burning by removing the person from the source. Check for life-threatening conditions. Cool the burn with large amounts of cold running water.

Cover the burn loosely with a sterile dressing. Prevent Infection. Take steps to minimize shock Keep the person from getting chilled or overheated. Comfort and reassure the person.