How to care for a wound in an emergency

  When accidents happen, first aid is a critical first step. But for open wounds and similar emergencies, it’s always a good idea to follow up with a health care professional. According to the World Health Organization, tens of millions of people suffer injuries that lead to hospitalization, emergency department visits, general practitioner treatment or treatment that does not involve formal medical care. As common as these injuries are, it’s important to deal with them immediately to prevent infection and minimize complications later, when you seek care from a medical professional. Here’s a helpful guide on basic wound care: Basic precautions for treating a wound can help prevent infection and avoid complications. What’s the first step in wound care management? Controlling bleeding is most important. Apply direct pressure on the wound, using gauze pads if you have them. Cloth towels also work well. Next, elevate the wound above the heart. For example, if it’s a hand or foot injury, change the position of the body and raise the limb so it’s higher than the upper chest. Keep the pressure on while doing this. You can also use pressure points – places where blood vessels are close to the surface. Make sure you press on a point closer to the heart than the wound. If it’s further away from the heart, pressure will have no effect on the bleeding. Do not apply a tourniquet unless it’s a dire emergency. Next: Clean the woun...
Source: Advanced Tissue - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Wound Care Wound care products Wound Infection Source Type: news