Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

7 Bleeding, Wound Care and Trauma

Basics of Wound Care Any time there is a break in the surface of the skin there is risk of infection. While stopping bleeding is always the priority, it should be done with the cleanest materials available. How a wound was made and how dirty the object was that caused the wound (the MOI) directly affect the chance of infection. Wounds caused by bites or wounds that have been in contact with dirt, dust, or animal feces are at high risk of a tetanus infection. Tetanus is a rare, fatal disease if left untreated. Always advise a patient to seek medical help for these types of wounds. Wounds that become infected should be seen by a physician. Infected wounds need to be assessed for the type and the severity of infection. Infections may need antibiotics. When treating minor wounds, you must advise the patient to seek medical help if signs or symptoms of infection occur.

Preventing Infection in minor wound care • Wash hands with soap and water and wear gloves. • Expose the entire wound and the area around it. • Do not breathe directly over the wound. • Use clean water or saline to flush dirt and debris from the wound. • Gently wash the wound and the surrounding skin, being sure to wipe out and away from the wound. • Gently pat the wound and skin dry with a sterile dressing or a clean, lint-free cloth. Work outwards. • Use an antibiotic ointment on shallow cuts and scrapes to promote healing and prevent infection. • Cover the wound with a sterile dressing and secure in place with a bandage or tape. • Advise the patient to seek medical care if signs and symptoms of infection occur. • Remove and dispose of gloves (See glove removal, pg. 41) . Wash hands and any skin that may have been in contact with blood or other body fluids • Dispose of waste and clean up properly (pg.9)

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