Chapter 21: Wound Emergencies - First Aid and Bloodborne
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chapter 21 : Wound Emergencies

Defined:

Wounds are an injury of the soft tissue (tissue in the body that is not bone). Wounds are
generally classified as either a closed or open wound.

Causes:

  • Abrasions (cuts or lacerations)
  • Amputation
  • Blow
  • Bite
  • Falling
  • Fight: punch, bump or hit
  • Motor vehicle accident
  • Puncturing and penetrating (sharp objects, glass, etc.)

    • Signs and Symptoms:

  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness, swelling

    • Common Emergency Example(s):

    Closed Wound:

    A closed wound is a wound on the skin’s surface that does not break the skin. A common closed
    wound is a bruise, which develops when the body is bumped or hit. A more serious closed
    wound may be caused by a violent force hitting the body. The person can severely damage
    tissues, blood vessels and muscles, leading to heavier internal bleeding.

    Open Wound:

    An open wound causes a break in the skin. The wound can range from something minor like a
    scrape to a deeper, puncture of the skin. A minor open wound includes small cuts, scrapes
    and abrasions. Immediate medical attention may be required for major open wounds that are
    heavily bleeding (i.e., amputation).

    First Aid Actions / Treatment :

    1. Assess the scene and check for your safety.
    2. Get a First Aid kit and wear personal protective equipment.
    3. If person is experiencing:
      • Nose bleed: pinch the nose, tilt the head forward and apply a
        cold pack to the bridge of the nose
      • Mouth bleeding (dental emergency): apply pressure with gauze
        to the area, but be careful not to block airway; check for missing or loose
        teeth; if tooth is out, rinse with water and place in a cup of milk; call a
        dentist for loose or chipped teeth
      • Minor closed wound (bruise): elevate injured area and apply ice
        pack or cold towel for 30 to 45 minutes
      • Minor open / bleeding wound (cuts, abrasions): apply pressure
        with gauze (dressing) to the area; keep pressure on the wound until bleeding
        stops; apply a dressing and cover with a bandage
    4. Activate EMS (Call 9-1-1) if there is a lot of bleeding, trouble breathing, signs of
      shock or the person has a major open or closed wound.
    5. If necessary for severe reactions, provide CPR. If you do not know how, give Hands-Only
      CPR.
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