17:3 Providing First Aid for Bleeding and Wounds

Characteristics and signs/symptoms for capillary blood bleeding: (description and risk/behavior)

"Oozes" from the wound slowly, is less red than arterial blood, and clots easily.

List 9 ways to prevent infection while caring for minor wounds without severe bleeding: (steps)

1. Wash hands thoroughly before treating 2. Wear gloves 3. Clean with soap and water and sterile gauze, if possible and wipe in outward direction away from wound. 4. Discard the wipe after each use 5. Rinse wound thoroughly with cool water. 6. Use sterile gauze to gently blot wound dry. 7. Apply a sterile dressing or bandage. 8. Watch for signs of infection 9. See physician if signs of infection

What's the difference between a closed and open wound?

An open wound involves a break in the skin or mucous membrane, but a closed wound does not have a break in the skin, but injury occurs to underlying tissues.

Describe pressure bandage (description, precaution, steps and check)

Applied to hold dressing in place. Maintain direct pressure and elevation while applying. NEVER REMOVE OLD-just apply additional dressings over old ones. Use roller bandage to hold in place. Use overlapping turns to cover and hold securely. Tie off ends directly over dressing, make sure dressing is secure. CHECK PULSE SITE. Loosen if impaired circulation.

First aid care for wounds must be directed at controlling what 2 factors?

Bleeding and preventing infection

Describe an amputation: (description, 1 risk, and care step-by-step)

Body part is cut off and separated from body-finger, toe, hand, causes shock. Preserve body part-surgeon may be able to reattach. Wrap in cold, moist dressing-never ice. Use sterile water or n/s if possible. Place wrapped part in plastic bag to keep moist, keep bag cool or put in ice water. Never put it directly on ice b/c tissue can freeze. Transport body part w/ victim.

Describe a puncture wound: (description, what causes it and 2 risks)

Caused by sharp object like pin, nail, or pointed instrument. Gun shot wounds-dangerous because damage cannot be seen. Internal bleeding. Infection if tetanus bacteria enters wound.

List 4 first aid treatments for a victim of a closed wound:

Check for breathing, treat for shock, avoid unnecessary movement, and avoid giving any food or fluids to the victim.

Describe an incision: (description and 2 risks)

Cut caused by sharp object (knife, scissors, razor blade) edges of wound smooth and regular. Deep incision can cause heavy bleeding and excess blood loss. Damage to muscles, nerves, and other tissues.

List 4 methods for controlling bleeding in the order in which they should be used:

Direct pressure, elevation, pressure bandage, and pressure points.

How should objects at the surface of the skin be removed?

Gently with sterile tweezers or tweezers wiped w/ alcohol or disinfectant.

Name 3 items that can be used to form a protective barrier while controlling bleeding:

Gloves or plastic wrap, or thick layers of dressing between your hand and the bleed.

List 7 signs of infection:

Heat, pus, fever, pain, swelling, redness and red streaks from the wound.

How should objects embedded deep in the tissues be removed?

It should be left in the tissue and removed by a physician.

Describe a Laceration (description and 2 risks)

Jagged irregular injury with tearing by excessive force. Bleeding may be heavy and contamination may lead to infection if wound is deep.

Should you clean a once bleeding wound?

NO because it may bleed again.

List 11 signs and symptoms of a closed wound:

Pain, tenderness, swelling, deformity, cold and clammy skin, a drop in blood pressure, uncontrolled restlessness, excessive thirst, vomited blood, blood in the urine or feces, and rapid and weak pulse.

Describe direct pressure (description and steps)

Pressure directly to the wound. Use gloved hand over think dressing/sterile gauze or clean towel. Can use hand if urgent, but try to find something else. APPLY PRESSURE 5-10 MIN UTIL BLEEDING STOPS. Apply 2nd gauze if blood soaks.

Describe elevation (description and precaution)

Raise injured part above level of victim's heart-allow gravity to aid in stopping blood flow. Continue w/ direct pressure during. Don't elevate if fractures are present/suspected.

Describe an abrasion: (description and 1 risk)

Skin is scraped off, and bleeding is usually limited. Prevent infection-dirt/contaminants often enter.

Characteristics and signs/symptoms for venous blood bleeding: (description and fatality risk)

Slower, steadier, and dark red or maroon. Constant and can lead to a large blood loss, but it is easier to control than arterial.

Name 3 common objects embedded in a wound:

Splinters, small pieces of glass, and small stones.

If a tetanus infection is a possibility, what first aid is necessary? (also risk and commonality of tetanus)

Tetanus can enter any open wound and cause serious illness and death. Ask patient when last tetanus shot was and to get medical advice regarding protection in the form of a tetanus shot or booster.

Describe an avulsion: (description, 1 risk, and care)

Tissue is torn or separated from victims body. Possible hanging tissue from ear, nose, hand, etc. Heavy and extensive bleeding. Preserve body part while caring for wound bc surgeon can reattach.

Describe pressure points (description, steps, and risk)

Used when all 3 other methods don't stop bleeding. Pressure to main artery and press it against UNDERLYING BONE to cut off main blood supply to area. Dont use longer than necessary b/c it stops circulation to other parts of limb. Continue direct pressure and elevation during. Brachial and femoral. Slowly release pressure while bleeding stops but continue other methods. Reapply if bleeding begins again.

Characteristics and signs/symptoms for arterial blood bleeding: (description, and fatality risk)

Usually spurts from a wound, results in heavy blood loss, and is bright red. Life-threatening and must be controlled quickly. 2-3 minutes untreated=death.

How should bruises be cared for?

With a cold application to reduce swelling.