Page 1 of 3

Soft Tissue Injury WOUND – is a break in the continuity of a tissue of the body either internal/external. Two Classifications Of Wounds Closed Wound Causes: - Blunt object results in contusions/bruises. - Application of external forces. Signs and symptoms: Signs and Symptoms - Pain and tenderness - Swelling - Discoloration - Hematoma - Uncontrolled restlessness - Thirst - Symptoms of shock - Vomiting/cough up of blood - Passage of blood in the urine/stool - Signs of blood along nose, mouth and ears. First aid management - Ice application - Splinting Open Wound Classification of open wound: - Puncture - Abrasion - Laceration - Avulsion - Incision Dangers - Hemorrhage - Shock - Infection Kinds of bleeding Arterial bleeding - bright red Venous bleeding - dark red Capillary bleeding - red FIRST AID MANAGEMENT

Page 2 of 3

Wound with severe bleeding - Cover the wound using a dressing and secure with bandage. - Control the bleeding - Care for shock - Consult a physician Wound with minimal bleeding - Clean the wound with soap and water - Apply mild antiseptics - Cover wound with dressing/bandage BURNS - An injury involving the skin, including muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels.

This result from heat, chemical, electricity, or solar and other forms of radiation. Factors To Determine Seriousness Of Burns Depth Depth - 1st degree burns - 2nd degree burns - 3rd degree burns - The extent to the affected body surface area - Location of the burns - Victims, age and medical conditions. Second Degree Minor - less than 15% of the body Moderate - 15-30% of the body Severe - 30% of the body Third Degree Minor - 2% of the body Moderate - 2-10% of the body Severe - 10% of the body Types Of Burns Injuries Thermal Burns – not all thermal burns are cause by flames. Contact with hot objects,

flammable vapor that ignites and cause a flash or explosion, and steams or hot liquid are other common cause of burns.

Care For Thermal Burns:

Page 3 of 3

Care Of 1st And 2nd Degree Burns - Relieve pain by immersing the area in cold water or applying a wet, cold cloth. If

water is unavailable use only cold liquid you drink to reduce the burned skin temperature.

- Cover the burn with dry, non-sticking, sterile dressing or a clean cloth. Care Of 3rd Degree Burns - Cover the burn with a dry, non-sticking sterile dressing or a clean cloth. - Treat the victim for shock by elevating the legs and keeping the victim with a clean

sheet or blanket. Chemical Burns – chemical will continue to cause tissue destruction until the chemical

agent is removed. Care For Chemical Burns: - Immediately remove the chemical by flushing with water. - Remove the victims contaminated clothing while flushing with water. - Flush for 2 mins, or longer. Let the victim wash with mild soap before a final rinse. - Cover the burned area with a dressing, for large areas use clean pillow case. - If the chemical is in the eye, flood it for at least 20 mins, using low pressure. - Seek medical attention immediately for all chemical burns. Electrical burns – exposure to electrical current depends on the type of current, the

voltage, the area of the body and the duration of contact. Care For Electrical Burns: - Unplug, disconnect or turn off the power. If that is impossible, call the power

company for help. - Check the (ABC) airway, breathing, circulation. Provide RB and CPR if necessary. - If the victim fell check for spinal injury. - Treat victim for shock - Seek medical attention immediately. Electrical injuries are treated in burns centers. OTHER SOFT TISSUE INJURIES: NOSE BLEEDING First Aid: - Let the patient sit down with the head slightly titled forward. - Pinch all soft parts of the nose together between the thumb and 2 fingers with steady

pressure of 5 minutes. - Apply an ice pack over the nose and neck.