Download Soft tissue injuries Chapter 10

Soft tissue injuries
Chapter 10
3 layers of the skin
1. Epidermis-outer layer
that is a barrier to
infection ”Superficial”
2. Dermis- middle layer
that contains nerves hair
roots, sweat and oil
glands and blood
vessels.
3. Hypodermis-fat, blood
vessels and connective
tissue that helps maintain
body temperature.
Closed wound
Outer layer of
skin is not
damaged and
the layers
underneath
the surface
are.
Treatment
• Have victim rest comfortably
• Place an ice pack on injury for 20
minutes
• Elevate injury to reduce swelling
Types of open wounds
Abrasion-most common-skin that
has been rubbed or scraped
away.
Laceration
• A cut occurs when blunt force
splits the skin.
Puncture wound
• Skin is pierced by a pointed
object. Watch out for tetanus.
Care for open wounds
• Put on gloves
• Clean area
• Dress the wound using
gauze and roller bandages.
• Check the skin
temperature above and
below injury. Never cover
all the fingers and toes
completely.
• If blood soaks through
bandage put another one
on top
Care for Impaled object
•
•
•
•
Put on gloves
Do not remove object
Use bulky bandages to stabilize object
Control bleeding by bandaging the
dressing around object.
• Call 911
• Wash your hands after care.
Burns
• Can go through
numerous layers of the
skin.
• It can cause infection,
fluid loss and loss of
body temperature.
• Older adults 60+ and
children under 5 are at
risk due to thinner and
more delicate skin.
Superficial burn
• Involves the top layer of skin
• The skin is red, dry and the burn is painful.
Second degree burn
• Involves epidermis and dermis
• Skin looks red with blisters.
• Blisters may leak out fluid but DO NOT
POP THEM.
Third degree burn
• All layers of skin are damaged as well as
fat, nerves and muscles.
• Skin looks burned, charred or white
• Extremely painful
• Can be life-threatening
Care for burns
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Check the scene
Check the victim
Remove victim from the burning source.
Check for life threatening conditions ABCs
Cool burn with COOL water (not ice)
Cover burn with loose dressing
Use burn cream
Minimize shock
Go to doctor if necessary
Chemical burns
• Remove chemical from body
immediately.
• Flush burn with cool water for at
least 20 minutes while EMS
comes.
• For eye-tilt head to side of injured
eye and flush out.
Electrical burns
• Once scene is safe, shut off power source
immediately
• Call 911
• Check ABCs
• Look to see where current entered and
exited body.(2)
• Cover burn site(s) with dry sterile dressing
and care for shock.
• These burns can affect the heart.