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WOUND INJURY'S AND BLEEDING
A wound is a type of injury which happens relatively quickly in which skin is torn, cut, or punctured (an open wound), or where blunt force trauma causes a contusion (a closed wound). In pathology, it specifically refers to a sharp injury which damages the epidermis of the skin.
Take Care of Wounds
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, if possible.
Avoid touching the wound with your fingers while treating it (if possible, use disposable, latex gloves).
Remove obstructive jewelry and clothing from the injured body part.
Apply direct pressure to any bleeding wound to control bleeding.
Clean the wound after bleeding has stopped.
Examine wounds for dirt and foreign objects.
Gently flood the wound with bottled water or clean running water (if available, saline solution is preferred).
Gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water.
Pat dry and apply an adhesive bandage or dry clean cloth.
Leave unclean wounds, bites, and punctures open. Wounds that are not cleaned correctly can trap bacteria and result in infection.
Provide pain relievers when possible.
Review the wound every 24 hours.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if:
There is a foreign object (soil, wood, metal, or other objects) embedded in the wound;
A wound is a result of an animal bite;
A wound is a result of a puncture by a dirty object;
The wound is infected (pain and soreness, swelling, redness, draining, or you develop a fever);
You have signs of sepsis such as confusion or disorientation, shortness of breath, high heart rate, fever or shivering, extreme pain or discomfort or clammy or sweaty skin.
If you have wounds, you should be evaluated for a tetanus immunization. If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva, have a health care professional determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary based on individual records.
Other Considerations
Be vigilant for the presence of other injuries in patients with any wounds.
Ensure adequate referral, follow-ups, and reevaluations whenever possible.
Dirty water and soil and sand can cause infection. Wounds can become contaminated by even very tiny amounts of dirt.
Puncture wounds can carry bits of clothing and debris into wound resulting in infection.
Crush injuries are more susceptible to infection than wounds from shearing forces.
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