Wounds
Courtney Bourke
WoundsWounds are determined by the type of
damage that has been caused to the skin
and tissue beneath the skin.
Wounds can be either Open or Closed.
Open Wounds
An open wound is a break in the outer layer
of skin.
They can be Minor for example a scrape or
small paper cut or Major for example an
amputated arm or something penetrating
deeply in the body.
Minor Wounds Minor wounds include:
-Abrasions
-Cuts
-Lacerations
-Punctures
-Tears (Avulsion)
Signs and Symptoms of minor bleeding are:
-See a break in the skin or blood
-Different types of bleeding:
Arterial bleeding: bright red blood spurting out with each heart beat
Venous bleeding: blood oozing out of wound and darker in colour
Capillary Damage: skin layers scraped off and blood sits on the surface
AbrasionsThis is caused by the skin being
scraped or dragged across a hard
uneven surface causing the outer
layer of skin and tiny blood vessels
to be exposed.
Cuts (Incision)
• A cut is caused by something sharp, piercing the skin injuring skin, soft tissue or muscle.
LacerationsLacerations are skin being torn,
resulting in skin and tissue
damage.
Punctures• Punctures are caused
by a blunt or pointed object/instrument piercing through skin and causing skin and tissue damage and often internal organ damage.
Tears (Avulsion)
• Tears/Avulsions are caused by something sharp or rough tearing skin and other tissues off the body.
ManagementBasic Treatment for Bleeding (Minor wounds)
- Perform a Primary & Secondary assessment
- Then apply ‘R.E.D’
R- Rest
Rest the casualty in a comfortable position to lower their heart rate
E- Elevate
Elevate the injured site above the level of the heart. This will reduce blood loss from the area.
D- Direct Pressure
Apply direct pressure over the wound using a sterile dressing. Then apply a firm bandage ontop.
Major Wounds
Major wounds include:
-Embedded objects
-AmputationSigns and Symptoms of Major bleeding are:-Faintness or dizziness-Restlessness-Nausea-Thirst-Weak, but rapid pulse-Cold & clammy skin-Gasping breathing-Pale-Sweating
Embedded ObjectsForeign objects such as
a knife or a stickembedded in the body
should never beremoved because the
object is restricting bleeding and is
removed may result insevere bleeding or
internal damage.
ManagementFor an embedded object you should:
Firstly complete a Primary & SecondaryAssessment.Apply padding around the object shaped likea ‘doughnut’
DO NOT remove the embedded object
Amputated Parts
An amputation is when a limb for example a
toe, finger, arm or leg is partly or completely
detached from the body.
ManagementThere are two parts to managing this injury:- The Casualty- The Amputated part
CASUALTY
Firstly DRABC
Apply direct pressure to the wound
Raise the limb above heart level
Apply a sterile dressing and bandage
AMPUTATED PART
DO NOT wash or soak the part in water or liquid
Wrap the part in gauze or cloth and place in something water-tight e.g. plastic bag, container.
Place in a sealed container floating in cold water and ice.
Closed Wounds
Closed wounds are where the bleeding is
internal and there is no break in the outer
layer of skin.
Internal BleedingSevere bleeding can occur from a blunt
force or an object penetrating the skin
and internal structures resulting in
bleeding occurring inside the body. Signs and Symptoms for internal bleeding are:
•Pain
•Tenderness
•Rigidity of abdominal muscles
•Coughing up blood
•Passing urine or faeces red in colour
ManagementFirstly DRABCMake a Primary & Secondary assessmentCall 000Reassure the casualty, make them comfortable bylying them down and elevating their legsMonitor airway, breathing and circulation
BibliographySt John’s Ambulance (1998) Australian First Aid Chapter 4 and 5 pgs 63- 121
Australian Health and Safety (2007) First Aid for Life