1. Soft Tissue Infections
Lawrence L. Lambert
Off Shore Paramedic
Acadian Integrated Services

2. Staphylococcus Aureus
Commonly called staph
Bacteria commonly found on human skin
Commonly found
Inside the nose
Armpit
Groin
Genital Areas

3. MRSA Methicillin-resistant S. Aureus
Symptoms
Reddness
Warmth
Swelling
Tenderness
Boils or blisters
Often mistaken for spider bites
Fever and chills

4. How is MRSA Spread? Close contact with infected persons
Staph can come off skin during skin to to skin contact
Staph can come off the skin onto shared objects and surfaces and can get into the skin of another person who uses that object or surface
Through the drainage and pus which is very infectious

5. Who is at risk for MRSA Infections?
Those with recurrent skin diseases or open wounds
Long term illness
Been a patient at a hospital or other health care facility within the past year

6. Who is at risk for MRSA Infections?
Contact with persons with MRSA infections
Recent Antibiotic use
Live in crowded settings

7. MRSA is diagnosed through a culture being taken and sent to the laboratory

8. How is MRSA treated? Proper wound and skin care using antibiotics
Incision and drainage (I&D)
More serious infections may require IV antibiotic treatments

9. How can I protect myself from becoming infected with staph
Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water
Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a clean bandage until healed

10. How can I protect myself from becoming infected with staph
Avoid contact with other employee wounds
Clean objects and surfaces that are shared with other employees before you use them

11. If I have MRSA or staph how can I keep from spreading it?
Keep infections covered with clean, dry bandages
Wash hands after touching exposed skin and bandages
Do not share personal items
Keep your clothes clean
Avoid skin to skin contact with others

12. What should I do if I think I have a staph infection?
Consult your medic immediately
Early treatment can help prevent the infection from getting worse
Control the spread!!!