Superficial scrape where the top layer of skin is rubbed away.

INITIAL CARE

Clean with mild soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment.

POST CARE AND REFERRAL

Keep covered, clean, and moist. No sutures. Monitor for infection.

A deep wound with jagged, torn edges caused by sharp or blunt force.

INITIAL CARE

Apply direct pressure to control bleeding. Clean gently with soap/water or saline.

POST CARE AND REFERRAL

Referral/Sutures: May require sutures for deep, gaping, or long cuts. Seek medical help if bleeding is uncontrollable. Tetanus booster may be needed.

A small, deep hole caused by a pointy object (nail, needle). High infection risk.

INITIAL CARE

Allow minor bleeding to flush the wound. Clean with soap and water. Do not remove an impaled object.

POST CARE AND REFERRAL

Referral: See a doctor for deep/dirty punctures or animal bites. High risk of infection (tetanus). Sutures are often avoided.

A straight, clean-cut wound with smooth edges, often surgical.

INITIAL CARE

Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding. Clean gently.

POST CARE AND REFERRAL

Sutures: Usually closed with sutures, staples, or glue. Follow specific instructions. Monitor for infection.

A severe soft-tissue injury where a portion of the skin and underlying tissue is partially or completely torn away from the body. This often results in heavy bleeding.

INITIAL CARE

Apply direct, firm pressure to control severe bleeding. If a body part is torn off, wrap it in a clean, damp cloth, place it in a plastic bag, and put the bag on ice.

POST CARE AND REFERRAL

An avulsion is a medical emergency and requires immediate emergency medical attention. Surgical repair is almost always necessary and may include sutures or even skin grafting, depending on the severity.

Universal Precautions are a set of safety guidelines designed to protect healthcare workers and patients from the spread of infectious diseases. They assume that all human blood and certain body fluids are potentially infectious for bloodborne pathogens.

EXAMPLES

Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Safe Sharps Handling:

Cleaning and Disinfection

Proper Waste Disposal:

Erythema (or Redness) The redness is spreading outward from the edge of the wound.

Red streaks radiating from the wound are a serious symptom requiring immediate medical attention.

Abscess/Drainage (Pus) The wound is producing a thick, opaque pus that may have a foul odor.

Tenderness (or Pain) The pain is persistent, worsening, or throbbing, and isn't relieved by rest or over-the-counter pain medication.