Soft tissue injuriesChapter 10

3 layers of the skin1. 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 throughbandage put another oneon 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.

• Involves the top layer of skin

• The skin is red, dry and the burn is painful.

Superficial burn

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.