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