Abrasions:
A superficial wound caused by rubbing or scraping wherein part of the skin has been lost. Abrasions may ooze blood, but should not bleed severely. They are usually extremely painful, regardless of size or location. Care for an abrasion in the field is simply to bandage the area and protect it from further damage. If possible, clean the area by simply flushing with water.
Treatment - control the bleeding with direct pressure and elevation. If a fracture is involved, splint and immobilize the involved extremity.
Laceration:
A tear to the tissue by a sharp, even instrument, i.e. glass or metal, produces ragged incision through the skin surface and underlying tissues. A laceration can also be caused by blunt trauma to the skin overlying bones. Lacerations usually bleed severely. Head wounds bleed profusely and may not be severe as they appear initially.
Care – control the bleeding with direct pressure and elevation. If a fracture is involved, splint and immobilize the involved extremity.
Treatment – let the wound bleed for a few minutes, then bandage properly. NEVER remove a foreign object, i.e. stick, knife or object still stuck in the wound.
Puncture Wound:
A puncture wound is caused by the penetration of a sharp object through the skin and underlying structures. The severity of damage is difficult to assess because often there is a small entrance wound with deep penetration, damaging internal organs and vessels.
Treatment:
• Direct Pressure
• Direct Pressure and Elevation
• Pressure Dressing
• Tourniquet –“LAST RESORT”
Avulsions:
An avulsion is the tearing loose of a flap of skin. The skin could be completely torn off (total avulsion), or hanging (partial avulsion). Many types of avulsions are caused by power tools, lawnmowers and traumatic accidents with vehicles.
Treatment –attempt to reposition the flap of skin in its normal position. Bandage, apply direct pressure and elevate the extremity.
Traumatic Amputations:
A ripping, tearing force that is great enough to tear away or crush a limb apart from the body. Any body part that protrudes from the body can be amputated. Advances in surgery have improved the chances of successfully reattaching many limbs.
Complete amputations tend to bleed less. This is due to the elastic tendencies of blood vessels, which spasm and retracts into surrounding tissues. Partial or degloving amputations tend to bleed severely. Crushing injuries can either bleed severely or very little.
Blunt Trauma:
Blunt trauma is a sudden blow or a force of crushing impact. Always consider that there may be internal injuries.
Impaled Objects:
Any object that pierces into and remains in the body. DO NOT attempt to remove it. Immobilize the foreign object – any movement can cause additional damage.
Treatment – control the bleeding with direct pressure, elevation, and pressure dressing. Fractures should be splinted and immobilized. A tourniquet is the LAST resort. Bandage the stump and wrap the end of the severed limb. NEVER apply ice.
Care of severed limb – rinse dirt and other foreign matter off. Do not immerse in liquid. Dry with an absorbent cloth and wrap the limb in a clean towel. Seal the limb in a plastic bag and place it in ice or ice and water. NEVER use dry ice. Some reattachments have been successful up to 24 hours after the amputation. The best results for reattachment occur within 6 hours.