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A superficial wound where the top layer(s) of skin is rubbed or scraped off.

Initial Care 1. Clean with soap and water. 2. Remove debris. 3. Apply antibiotic ointment. 4. Cover if dirty or on a friction area.

Post Care / Referral No referral for minor cases. Home Care: Change the bandage daily, keep clean and moist with ointment. Watch for infection.

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A wound caused by a tear or split of the skin tissue, resulting in jagged or irregular edges.

Initial care 1. Apply firm, direct pressure to stop bleeding. 2. Elevate the injured area. 3. Rinse with water once bleeding slows. 4. Apply a sterile dressing.

Post/Referral Referral for Sutures is needed if the wound is deep, edges gape, bleeding is uncontrolled, or muscle/fat is exposed. Home Care (if sutured): Keep clean/dry and follow doctor's instructions for suture care.

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A deep, narrow wound created by a sharp, pointed object (like a nail) piercing the skin.

Initial care 1. Do not remove a large embedded object; stabilize it and seek help. 2. For small objects, remove and clean. 3. Apply pressure to control bleeding. Seek medical care immediately.

Post/Referral 1. Do not remove a large embedded object; stabilize it and seek help. 2. For small objects, remove and clean. 3. Apply pressure to control bleeding. Seek medical care immediately.

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A severe injury where a portion of skin and/or tissue is partially or completely torn away from the body

Initial care 1. Call 9-1-1 immediately. 2. Apply firm, direct pressure to control severe bleeding. 3. Preserve any torn-off tissue by wrapping it in a clean, moist cloth and placing it in a plastic bag for transport.

Post care/Referral Immediate Emergency Care is required. Often requires surgery (repair or skin graft). Post-Surgery: Follow all surgeon's instructions, including care for stitches/staples and antibiotics.

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A wound with clean, smooth edges created by a sharp object, often a sterile surgical instrument (scalpel).

Initial care The closure is managed by a medical professional. Keep the wound clean and dry initially

Post/Referral care Stitches/Staples are removed by a doctor in 5-14 days. Referral is needed if the incision reopens, bleeds excessively, or shows signs of infection (pus, fever, increased redness/swelling).

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Universal precautions are a set of guidelines designed to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens (like HIV and Hepatitis) by treating all human blood and certain body fluids as if they are known to be infectious.

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When caring for a wound, this means you should always

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When caring for a wound, this means you should always

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Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and immediately after providing care, even if you wear gloves.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear gloves (disposable or utility) whenever you expect contact with blood, non-intact skin, or other body fluids. For procedures that may cause splashing (like irrigating a wound), wear eye protection and a mask/face shield.

Safe Handling of Sharps: Never try to recap, bend, or break contaminated needles or sharp objects. Place all sharps in a designated puncture-resistant container.

Clean Up Spills: Decontaminate any surfaces that come into contact with blood or body fluids using an approved disinfectant.