There are several types of open wounds.
- An abrasion occurs when the top layer of skin is removed, with little blood loss.
- A laceration occurs when the skin is cut with jagged edges. This type of wound is usually caused by a forceful tearing away of skin tissue.
- An incision is a cut with smooth edges, such as a cut with a knife.
- A puncture is an injury from a sharp pointed object.
- An avulsion is a piece of skin or tissue that is torn or loose and hanging from the body.
- An amputation is the cutting or tearing off of a body part.
For severely bleeding wounds, use a pressure bandage until the victim can get medical care.
To care for a shallow wound:
- Put on medical globes
- Wash the wound with soap and water.
- Flush the wound with running water.
- Apply antibiotic ointment.
- Cover the area with a sterile dressing.
- Seek medical care for a wound with high risk for infection, such as an animal bite or puncture wound.
Call 911 immediately under any of the following circumstances:
- Bleeding is not controlled after applying pressure for 10-15 minutes.
- Symptoms of shock occur, such as dizziness and pale, cool skin.
- Breathing is difficult because of a cut to the neck or chest.
- A deep cut to the abdomen causing moderate to severe pain.
- A cut to the eyeball.
- A cut that amputates or partially amputates an extremity.
Source: Joe Mlynek is president of Progressive Safety Services LLC, Gates Mills, OH: joe.mlynek@progressivesafety.us, and content creation expert for Safety Made Simple, Inc., Olathe, KS; joe@safetymadesimple.com