TYPES OF WOUNDS
Traumatic injuries present many types of wounds. Below is a list of the common wounds you may encounter. Although each type of wound has its own unique characteristics, your mode of treatment is quite similar. As with any onboard injury, always notify the PIC when you begin patient care. Call Aircare Access for additional medical support
ABRASIONS
This type of wound is characterized by the scraping off of the top several layers of skin, exposing the capillaries and nerves to the open air. It produces a painful injury that may require some bleeding control, such as direct pressure, elevation if a limb is involved, and bandaging. Unless the abrasion covers a large area or other injuries are identified, advanced medical care is usually not required.
LACERATIONS
When the skin is cut through one or more layers, it is called a laceration. The main concern is bleeding control. Usually, the use of direct pressure and elevation in conjunction with sterile dressings control the bleeding nicely. Aircare Access should be called if it is difficult to stop the bleeding or if the cut is deep enough that more definitive treatment is needed.
CONTUSIONS
A bruise is actually caused by bleeding beneath the surface of the skin. This is identified as a contusion. The bleeding stops by itself, because the skin acts like a pressure dressing. Treatment is limited to cold compresses and elevation to reduce swelling. Advanced medical care is usually unnecessary for this type of injury unless other trauma is seen.
AVULSIONS
When layers of the skin and underlying tissues are peeled back, an avulsion is the result. These injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents and other trauma. Because this is an open wound, sterile dressings and effective bleeding control are the best mode of treatment.
INTERNAL BLEEDING
Internal bleeding is usually identified by bruising, tenderness and swelling. Treatment for internal bleeding is minimal in the non-hospital setting. Elevation, treatment for shock, cool compresses, oxygen and CABDs are about the most you can do. Remember, uncontrolled bleeding, be it internal or external, can lead to shock and eventually death. When internal bleeding is suspected, call Aircare Access immediately. For your own safety, always use appropriate personal protective equipment and universal precautions.
68 Trauma
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