First+Aid,+Cuts-Lacerations

=Cuts/Lacerations= (Return to First Aid)


 * __Types of wounds__**:

__Open__ Open wounds can be classified according to the object that caused the wound. The types of open wound are:

__Incisions__ **or incised wounds**, caused by a clean, sharp-edged object such as a knife, a razor or a glass splinter. In a medical context, stab wounds and gunshot wounds are considered major wounds.
 * Lacerations**, irregular tear-like wounds caused by some blunt trauma. For example, a blunt impact to soft tissue that lies over bone, or a tearing of skin and other tissues caused by childbirth. Lacerations from blunt impacts may show bridging, as connective tissue or blood vessels are flattened against the underlying hard surface. The term laceration is commonly misused in reference to incisions.
 * Abrasions** (grazes), superficial wounds in which the topmost layer of the skin (the epidermis) is scraped off. Abrasions are often caused by a sliding fall onto a rough surface.
 * Puncture wounds**, caused by an object puncturing the skin, such as a nail or needle.
 * Penetration wounds**, caused by an object such as a knife entering the body.
 * Gunshot wounds**, caused by a bullet or similar projectile driving into or through the body. There may be two wounds, one at the site of entry and one at the site of exit, such is generally known as a through-and-through.

__Closed__ Closed wounds have fewer categories, but are just as dangerous as open wounds. The types of closed wounds are:
 * Contusions**, more commonly known as bruises, caused by blunt force trauma that damages tissue under the skin.
 * Hematomas**, also called blood tumors, caused by damage to a blood vessel that in turn causes blood to collect under the skin.
 * Crushing injuries**, caused by a great or extreme amount of force applied over a long period of time.

__Minor bleeding__ Minor bleeding is bleeding that falls under a __Class I hemorrhage__ and the bleeding is __easily stopped with pressure__. The largest danger in a minor wound is infection. Bleeding can be stopped with direct pressure and elevation, and the wound should be washed well with soap and water. A dressing, typically made of gauze, should be applied. *Peroxide or iodine solutions (such as Betadine) can injure the cells that promote healing and may actually impair proper wound healing and delay closure.
 * __Treating Open Wounds__**

1. Apply pressure (as with a cloth or bandage) to stop the bleeding. 2. Prevent infection by washing it and applying peroxide* 3. With large or stubborn cuts stitches may be needed. Do not do that yourself unless you absolutely must.

Tricks: -Raise the wound above the level of the heart (it will slow bleeding so a scab can form.) -Once bleeding is under control keep the wound moist since dry scabbing actually hinders healing. -Take vitamin C to help fight of germs and drink lots of water to speed the healing process. Problems with loss of blood: -Victims often pass out or get scared which increases bleeding. -Once too much blood is lost healing cannot occure. (//Try to keep the blood in the body//)

__Emergency Bleeding Control__ Severe bleeding poses a very real risk of death to the casualty if not treated quickly. Therefore, preventing major bleeding should take priority over other conditions, save failure of the heart or lungs. Most protocols advise the use of direct pressure, rest and elevation of the wound above the heart to control bleeding. The use of a tourniquet is not advised in most cases, as it can lead to unnecessary necrosis or even loss of a limb. Tourniquets should rarely be used as it is usually possible to stop bleeding by the application of manual pressure.

__Bleeding from body cavities__ The only minor situation is a spontaneous nosebleed, or a nosebleed caused by a slight trauma (such as a child putting his finger in his nose). Simultaneous externalised bleeding from the ear may indicate brain trauma if there has been a serious head injury. Loss of consciousness, amnesia, or fall from a height increases the likelihood that there has been a severe injury. This type of injury can also be found in motor vehicle accidents associated with death or severe injury to other passengers.

Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, may be a sign that the person is at risk for serious bleeding. This is especially the case for patients with cancer. Hematemesis is vomiting up blood from the stomach. Often, the source of bleeding is difficult to distinguish and usually requires detailed assessment by an emergency physician. (//If you bleed from a strange place you should see a docter//.)

__Internal bleeding__ Internal bleeding occurs entirely within the confines of the body and can be caused by a medical condition (such as aortic aneurysm) or by trauma. Symptoms of internal bleeding include pale, clammy skin, an increased heart rate and a stupor or confused state. The most recognisable form of internal bleeding is the contusion or bruise. (//This is a problem for docters. First Aid really has nothing on this. I have never encountered it either//.)

(Return to First Aid)