Wounds Types of Open Wounds Abrasion – scrape Incision – smooth edged cut Laceration – jagged irregular edges

Types of Wounds #2 Puncture – deep, narrow stab wound High rate of infection (animal bites) Should heal from inside out Avulsion – flap of skin torn loose Amputation – cutting off a body part

Open Wounds: What To Do Wear gloves and expose wound Control bleeding Clean wounds To prevent infection Wash shallow wound gently with soap and water (betadine) Wash from the center out / Irrigate with water Severe wound? Clean only after bleeding has stopped

Wound Care Do not close wound with steri-strips Use roller bandages (or tape dressing to the body) Keep dressings dry and clean Change at least daily More frequently if wet or dirty Use antibiotic ointments for shallow wounds only

Wound Care #2 Do not apply: Mercurochrome, merthiolate, or iodine (p.121) Do not make dressing air tight If dressing sticks? soften with warm water prior to removal

Signs of Wound Infection Swelling, redness, pain, warmth Fever / chills Swollen lymph nodes Red streaks Tetanus (lock jaw) Receive injection in first 72 hours Throbbing Pus

When To Seek Medical Attention ** Indicates High Chance of Infection Arterial or other uncontrolled bleeding Deep incisions, lacerations, avulsions **Large or deep punctures Severe injury in “bend” Wound gapes open (stitches) Large or deeply imbedded objects **Significant debris (bike wreck, chainsaw, tattoo **Animal bites, ragged wounds

When To Seek Medical Attention #2 If scarring would be significant Eyelids (prevent drooping) Slit lips Extremely dirty Injury to bone, joint, tendon Any situation in doubt (ear ring) If no tetanus shot in past 10 years 5 years for dirty wound Significant infection

Amputations Crushing Guillotine De-gloving Poor chance of reattachment Clean cut Good chance of reattachment (fingertips of kitchen counter) De-gloving Skin peeled off

Amputation: What To Do Control bleeding Treat for shock Recover body part Transport

To Care For Amputated Part: Wrap in dry clean cloth Do not wrap in wet dressing Place in waterproof container Place bag on bed of ice Transport immediately

Blisters Prevention Duct tape (hike up mountain) Donut shaped moleskin Spenco second skin Do not remove “roof” “hanging roof”

Open or Painful Blister Clean blister site To drain a blister: Sterilize needle Make several holes at blister base Apply antibiotic ointment and dressing Change daily Check for infection

Impaled Object Do not remove Control bleeding Stabilize object Shorten object only if necessary One exception: If impaled in cheek and > l hour from help Dressings inside and outside of cheek (frog gig) Houston, TX, Dec. 2000 Child with pencil

Impaled Eye Cover both eyes Seek medical attention Do not apply pressure to eye Place padding around object Stabilize object Paper cup Cover both eyes Explain to victim Seek medical attention

Fish-hook Removal Do not remove if near eye or other problem areas Tape in place, transport Otherwise: Ice area Push hook through Cut off barb and back hook out

Gunshot Wounds What To Do Check ABCD’s Expose , finding entry and exit Control bleeding Apply dressing / bandage Treat for shock Keep victim calm and quiet Transport

Prevention of Gunshot Wounds Hunter’s Education Unloaded and loaded guns Unlocked guns