1. FIRST AID and EMERGENCY NURSING
University of Tabuk Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences Department of Nursing
FIRST AID and EMERGENCY NURSING

2. SOFT TISSUE INJURY
It is a type of physical trauma where in the 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 dermis of the skin.
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

3. Types of Wounds
1. Abrasions- also called scrapes, they occur when the skin is rubbed away by friction against another rough surface (e.g. rope burns and skinned knees). 2. Avulsions-occur when an entire structure or part of it is forcibly pulled away, such as the loss of a permanent tooth or an ear lobe. Explosions, gunshots, and animal bites may cause avulsions.
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

4. Contusions- also called bruises, these are the result of a forceful trauma that injures an internal structure without breaking the skin. Blows to the chest, abdomen, or head with a blunt instrument (e.g. a football or a fist) can cause contusions.
4. Crush wounds- occur when a heavy object falls onto a person, splitting the skin and shattering or tearing underlying structures.
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

5. 5. Cuts- Slicing wounds made with a sharp instrument, leaving even edges. They may be as minimal as a paper cut or as significant as a surgical incision.
6. Lacerations- also called tears, these are separating wounds that produce ragged edges. They are produced by a tremendous force against the body, either from an internal source as in childbirth, or from an external source like a punch.
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

6. 7. Missile wounds- also called velocity wounds, they are caused by an object entering the body at a high speed, typically a bullet. 8. Puncture wounds- these are deep, narrow wounds produced by sharp objects such as nails, knives, and broken glass.
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

7. Loss of feeling or function below the wound site Pain
Signs of Wounds
Bleeding
Loss of feeling or function below the wound site
Pain
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

8. Management
FOR MINOR CUTS 1. Wash your hands with soap to avoid infection. 2. Wash the cut thoroughly with mild soap and water. 3. Use direct pressure to stop the bleeding. 4. Apply an antibacterial ointment. 5. If the cut is likely to get dirty or be re-opened by friction, cover it (once the bleeding has stopped) with a bandage that will not stick to the injury.
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

9. FOR MINOR PUNCTURES 1. Wash your hands. 2
FOR MINOR PUNCTURES 1. Wash your hands. 2. Use a stream of water for at least five minutes to rinse the puncture wound. Wash with soap. 3. Look (but DO NOT probe) for objects inside the wound. If found, DO NOT remove -- go to the emergency room. If you cannot see anything inside the wound, but a piece of the object that caused the injury is missing, also seek medical attention
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

10. DON’TS
• DO NOT assume that a minor wound is clean because you can't see dirt or debris inside. Wash it. • DO NOT breathe on an open wound. • DO NOT try to clean a major wound, especially after the bleeding is under control.
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

11. DON’TS
DO NOT remove a long or deeply embedded object. Seek medical attention.
• DO NOT probe or pick debris from a wound. Seek medical attention.
• DO NOT push exposed body parts back in. Cover them with clean material until medical help arrives.
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

12. immediately if:
• The wound is large or deep, even if the bleeding is not severe.
• You think the wound might benefit from stitches (the cut is more than a quarter inch deep, on the face, or reaches bone).
• The person has been bitten by a human or animal.
• A cut or puncture is caused by a fishhook or rusty object.
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

13. immediately if: •You step on a nail or other similar object
•An object or debris is embedded -- DO NOT remove yourself.
•The wound shows signs of infection (warmth and redness in the area, a painful or throbbing sensation, fever, swelling, or pus-like drainage).
•You have not had a tetanus shot within the last 10 years
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

14. To avoid infection and aid healing:
•Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding •Clean the wound with water •Use an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection •Bandage the wound if it's in an area that might get dirty •Watch for swelling and redness •Get a tetanus booster if you are due for one
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

15. References:
•Dolan, B. and Holt, L. (2000) Accidents and Emergency: Theory Into practice. London, Bailliere Tindall
•McQuillan, K., Von Rueden, K., Hartsock, R., Flynn, M. and Whalen, E. (2002) Trauma Nursing: From Resuscitation to Rehabilitation (3rd ed) Saunders, Philadelphia.
•Newberry, L. (2003) Sheehy's Emergency Nursing: Principles and practice (5th ed) Mosby, St Louis
Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing

16. Department of Nursing
Department of Nursing