Cuts, Scrapes, & Bruises

Community First Aid & Safety

Cuts, Scrapes, & Bruises

Blood- 60,000 miles of blood vessels

Heart

Arteries

Veins

Capillaries

Stitches

Uncontrollable bleeding

Wounds that show muscle, bones, joints

Large and deep puncture wounds

Embedded objects

Human / animal bites

Types of Wounds

Contusion (bruise)

Abrasion (scrape)

Incision (cut / laceration)

Avulsion

Puncture

Contusion (Bruise)

Damage to soft tissues & blood vessels causes bleeding under the skin

At first it may appear red

Turn purple

Scrape (abrasion)

Most common type of wound caused by skin that has been rubbed or scrapped awayUsually painful because scraping away of outer skin exposes nerve endings

Incision (cut / laceration)

May be jagged or smooth edges

Commonly caused by sharp objects

Can also be caused by a blow from a blunt object

Avulsion

A cut in which a portion of the skin or other soft tissue is partially / completely torn away

May hang like a flap

Severed (finger)

Puncture

Caused when a pointed object pieces the skin (nail, tack, bullet)

An object that remains embedded in the wound is called an impaled object

Signs of Infection

Swollen / redness

Warm / throb / pain

Pus discharge

Fever, feel ill

Red streaks

Care for Infection

Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)

Soak in warm water

Elevate

Change coverings

If persists or worsens- seek a physician

Caring for Soft Tissue Injuries

Closed Wound (internal injuries)Apply something cold to control swellingSignals of Internal Bleeding Tender, swollen, bruised Rapid / weak pulse Skin (cool, moist, pale, bluish) Vomiting / coughing up blood Excessive thirst Confused, faint, drowsy or unconscious

Caring for an Open Wound

Control bleeding (sterile dressing-direct pressure)Raise / elevate above heart (if no broken bone is suspected)Apply bandage snugly over dressing (if bleeding does not stop apply additional dressing)If bleeding cannot be controlled, put pressure to supplying artery

Continued

Call EMS

Care for shock

Wash hands after care

Shock

Signals of Shock

Restlessness / irritability

Altered consciousness

Nausea

Pale, cool, moist skin

Rapid breathing

Rapid pulse

Caring for Shock

Have victim lie down, elevate legs about 12” (unless you suspect head, neck, back injuries)Call 9-1-1Control any external bleedingHelp victim maintain body temperatureDo not give food or drinkReassure victim

Special Situations

Severed Body Part

Wrap the part completely in gauze or a clean towel. Wet the towel with cool water. Place the wrapped body part in a plastic bag & seal it shut.Place the sealed bag in to another bag or bucket filled with ice. Take the bag with the amputated body part to the hospital with the victim.

Embedded Objects

Do not remove it

Place several objects around object to support it

Eye-cover both eyes

Organs that Break Through the Abdomen

Carefully remove clothing from around the move

Cover organs with a moist, sterile / clean dressing

Cover dressing with plastic wrap

Place a folded towel / cloth to keep warm