1. Chapter 9
Wounds

2. Open Wounds
A break in the skin’s surface resulting in external bleeding
May allow bacteria to enter the body, causing an infection

3. Types of Open Wounds Abrasion Laceration Incision Puncture Avulsion
Amputation

4. Care for Open Wounds Protect yourself with medical exam gloves.
Expose the wound.
Control bleeding.
Wash with soap and water.

5. Wound Cleaning (1 of 2) Shallow wounds
Wash with soap and water and flush with clean water.
Wound with high risk of infection
Seek medical care for wound cleaning.
If in remote area, clean as best you can.
Remove small objects with sterile tweezers.

6. Wound Cleaning (2 of 2)

7. Covering a Wound Cover with thin layer of antibiotic ointment.
Cover with a sterile dressing.
Change any wet or dirty dressings.

8. When to Seek Medical Care
To clean high-risk wounds
For wound closure
Victim has not had a tetanus booster in past 10 years
Victim has a dirty wound and has not had tetanus booster in 5 years
Must receive booster within 72 hours

9. Signs of Infection Swelling and redness around the wound
Sensation of warmth
Throbbing pain
Pus discharge
Fever
Swelling of lymph nodes
Red streaks leading from the wound toward the heart

10. Care for Infected Wound (1 of 2)
Keep area clean.
Soak in warm water or apply warm, wet packs.
Elevate the infected portion of the body.

11. Care for Infected Wound (2 of 2)
Apply antibiotic ointment.
Change the dressings daily.
Seek medical help if infection persists or becomes worse.

12. Tetanus
Tetanus bacterium enters a wound that contains little oxygen and produces powerful toxin.
No known antidote to the toxin once it enters bloodstream.
A tetanus vaccine can completely prevent the disease.

13. Amputations In many cases, amputated extremity can be replanted. Types
Guillotine
Crushing
Degloving

14. Care for Amputations Control bleeding. Treat for shock.
Recover amputated part.
Wrap part in gauze, place in a bag, and keep bag cool.
Transport the part with the victim.

15. Blisters
A collection of fluid in a “bubble” under outer layer of skin.
Repeated rubbing of small area will produce a blister.

16. Care for Blisters If blister on foot is open or very painful:
Clean with soap and water.
Drain fluid from blister with a sterilized needle.
Apply layers of moleskin or molefoam.
Apply antibiotic ointment.

17. Impaled (Embedded) Objects
Many kinds of objects can become impaled and cause significant internal damage:
Pencils
Screwdrivers
Knives
Glass
Steel rods
Fence posts

18. Care For Embedded (Impaled) Objects
Expose area.
DO NOT remove the object.
Control bleeding around the object.
Stabilize the object.

19. Slivers Can be painful and irritating
Usually easily removed with tweezers
After removal, clean with soap and water and apply adhesive strip.
Special cases:
Cactus spines: Use white wood-working glue
Fishooks: Use pliers with tempered jaws or fishline method

20. Closed Wounds Results when a blunt object strikes the body
Skin is not broken but tissue and blood vessels are crushed.
Types of closed wounds:
Bruises and contusions
Hematomas
Crush injuries

21. Wounds That Require Medical Attention
Possibility of a scar
Eyelid cut
Slit lip
Internal bleeding
Uncertain how to treat
Need a tetanus shot
Uncontrolled bleeding
Deep wounds
Large or deeply embedded objects
Foreign matter in wound
Human or animal bite

22. Gunshot Wounds A bullet causes injury in two ways:
Laceration and crushing
Shock waves and temporary cavitation
Initial care for gunshot wounds is roughly the same as for any other wound.