What is WOUNDS?
Any break in soft tissue of the body that results in bleeding.
Types of Wounds
Open Wound:
Break in the outer layer or skin, results in bleeding & allow Microorganisms (germs) to enter the body.
Close Wound:
No break in the outer layer of skin.
Wound Care
Objectives of wound care are to control bleeding and prevent secondary infection.
- Clean the wound by irrigating with water, flushing with a mild concentration of soap and water, then irrigating with water again. Do not scrub.
- Apply a dressing and bandage, after thoroughly cleaning the wound, to help keep the wound clean. (A dressing is applied directly to the wound. A bandage is used to holding the dressing in place.)
Use the following rules for dressings and bandages:
- If the wound is still bleeding, apply the bandage with enough pressure to help control bleeding without interfering with circulation. Check for color, warmth, and sensation to determine if the bandage is too tight.
- If active bleeding continues (the dressing is soaked with blood) redress over the existing dressing and maintain pressure and elevation.
Bleeding
Escape of blood from injured vessels. Severe bleeding is called Hemorrhage.
Severe bleeding treatment
- Put on disposable gloves.
- Apply direct pressure to the wound with a pad (e.g. a clean cloth) or fingers until a sterile dressing is available.
- Raise and support the injured limb. Take particular care if you suspect a bone has been broken.
- Lay the casualty down to treat for shock.
- Bandage the pad or dressing firmly to control bleeding, but not so tightly that it stops the circulation to fingers or toes.
- If bleeding seeps through first bandage, cover with a second bandage. If bleeding continues to seep through bandage, remove it and reapply.
- Treat for shock.
Loss of a finger, hand, arm, or leg can be extremely dangerous. But, if you act quickly, you may be able to save the victim’s life.
When part of the body has been torn off, treat the victim:
Administer first aid:
Control bleeding, watch for signs of shock, and treat for shock as necessary.
Protect Body Part:
- Try to find out the severed part of the body.
- If found, save the tissue parts, wrap it in a plastic bag.
- Put a bag on ice, but don’t freeze.
- Take the part with victim to the Hospital.
- Mention name of victim and time of incident on plastic bag.
