Wounds That Need Special Care
Abdominal Wounds
- The abdomen is the area between the chest and the pelvis. Comparing with whole body there is little protection for the abdomen.
- But it is one of the important parts of the body as vital organs are contained in the abdomen-liver, spleen, stomach, pancreas, kidneys and intestine.
- Abdominal wounds may or may not be externally visible.
Signs and symptoms of a severe abdominal injury could include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain, tenderness or discomfort in the abdomen
- External bleeding
- Bruising
- Severe pain
- Skin redness
FIRST AID
If the wound is open with internal organs exposed
- The casualty should be placed in a half sitting position, with legs slightly raised.
- Do not attempt to replace organs that are protruding.
- Cover the wound with a moist dressing to prevent the wound drying out.
- Secure the dressing with a broad bandage.
- Do not apply pressure to the wound. Attempt to pinch the edges of the wound together to control bleeding
- Call an ambulance
- Continue to monitor- do not leave casualty alone
Penetrating Chest Wounds
- If an object penetrates the chest wall and punctures the chest cavity allowing air to enter the chest through the wound, this can cause the lung to collapse.
- If air is entering the chest cavity through the wound you may hear air movement with every breath. You may see bubbly bright blood coming from the wound and the casualty will have distressed breathing.
FIRST AID of penetrating chest wounds
- Ask the casualty to cover the wound with his hand temporarily
- Place the casualty in a comfortable position, usually semi-sitting
- Cover the wound with a sterile dressing. Make a valve, using a non absorbent material e.g. cling wrap, foil.
- Monitor the casualty and seek urgent medical assistance.
- If casualty becomes unconscious place on affected side and start CPR