Soft Tissue Injuries:Cuts, Scrapes and

Bruises

Open Closed

Wounds

Two Types of Wounds

Closed Wounds

Closed soft tissue injuries that do not result in broken

skin can be internal and external Example: Bruises

How to Care for Closed Wounds

Apply direct pressure to decrease bleedingApply cold to decrease swellingMay also elevate to decrease swelling

Closed Wounds Care Continued

Do not assume that all closed wounds are minor injuries

Take time to check if it is more seriousSerious closed wounds can be caused by

a violent force hitting the body

Closed Wounds Care Continued

Call 9-1-1 or local emergency number if: A person complains of severe pain or cannot

move a body part without pain You think the force that caused the injury was

enough to cause serious damage An injured extremity is blue or extremely pale

Open Wounds

Open Soft tissue injuries in which there is a break in

the skin If not treated properly can become infected

Types of Open Wounds

Four Types of Open Wounds

Abrasions

Lacerations

Avulsions

Punctures

Abrasions

Most commonCaused by something rubbing against the

skinLittle bleeding but usually painfulCalled:

scrape rug burn road rash

Lacerations

Cut in the skinCommonly caused by a sharp objectCan also be caused by blunt force that

splits the skinBleeding depends on depth of cutNot always painful because nerves are

damaged

Avulsions

Portion of the skin and other soft tissue is torn away

Violent force may tear away entire body part

Damages deep tissue which causes significant bleeding

Punctures

A piercing of the skinUsually caused by a pointed object

Examples: Nail and Gun Shot WoundsDo not bleed much unless a blood vessel

is injuredGerms carried deep into the body

Tetanus Severe infection caused by bacteria that produces

powerful poison in the body Enters through breaks in the skin, especially puncture

wounds. Tetanus freezes or “locks” the muscles. Prevention is a tetanus shot at least every 10 years; It is

a fatal condition.

How to Care for an Open Wound

Clean areaApply some type of dressing Dressing include:

Occlusive – closes wound, prevents exposure to air

Bandage – any material used to wrap or cover part of the body

Stitches

Signs of Infection

Area around wound may become: Swollen and red Feel warm or throb with pain Discharge of puss

Fever and feeling ill

Red streaks appear progressing from wound in the direction of the heart

Keep area clean if suspect infection

Seek medical attention if at home treatments do not work

Minor Wounds Major Wounds

Use barrier between your hands and wound (disposable gloves)

Apply direct pressure to control bleeding

Wash woundApply triple-antibiotic

ointmentCover wound with

sterile bandage

Call 9-1-1Put on disposable glovesCover wound with

dressing Apply pressureAdd more bandages,

never removeMonitor ABC’sCheck for signals of

worsening condition

General Guidelines to Care for Wounds

Objectives

The learner will be able to identify at least 3 of the 4 types of open wounds by answering number 4 on their review worksheet.

The learner will use their time effectively to take notes during the presentation of the topics during the class period.

Section 8Pages 129-150

Injuries to Muscles, Bones and Joints

There are 4 types of injuries to bone, muscles and joints.

FracturesCan be opened or closedCan be complete break, a chip or crack

Dislocations

A movement of bone away from the normal

joint

Sprains

A tearing of the ligaments at the joint

Strains

Strain- stretching and tearing of muscles or tendons (The back is a common area)

Care for Muscle, Bone and joint injuries of

Injuries:R.I.C.E

R – Rest

I- Immobilize

C- Cold

E - Elevate

Splinting

Method of immobilization

Use only if person must be moved or transported by someone other than EMS

Splint only if you can do so without causing more pain

Splint injury in position you found it

Splint injured area and bones or joints above and below the injury

Check for circulation before and after splinting

4 types of Splints that can be used

Anatomical Splints

Soft Splints

Rigid Splints

The Ground

Types of Splints

Soft splints The Ground

Head, Neck and Back injuries(136/126)

Common causes:Signs and SignalsHow to care for this type of injury.

The Regions of the Spine(127/137)

Concussion

Signs and SignalsHow to care for someone that has a concussion