First Aid for Wounds: A Detailed Guide and Important Notes

1. Introduction

A wound is a tissue injury that can cause bleeding, pain, and even life-threatening complications if not treated promptly and correctly. This article provides basic knowledge about different types of wounds, the healing process, the purpose of first aid, first aid techniques, and important considerations when treating wounds.

2. Types of Wounds

2.1. Open Wounds:

• Definition: An open wound is a tissue injury that affects the exterior of the body and is visible, posing a high risk of infection.

• Classification:

• Lacerations: Caused by sharp objects, with straight wound edges, and significant bleeding.

• Tears: Caused by blunt objects or strong impact, with irregular wound edges, extensive damage, high risk of infection, delayed healing, scarring, and less bleeding.

• Abrasions: Caused by sliding or friction against a surface, potentially leading to inflammation.

• Punctures: Caused by bullets or penetrating objects, resulting in severe internal injuries and infection.

2.2. Closed Wounds:

• Definition: A closed wound is an injury occurring inside the body, not visible, and often overlooked.

• Classification:

• Contusions: Caused by tissue and soft tissue damage beneath the skin, leading to blood infiltrating the interstitial tissue.

• Blisters: Resulting from exposure to high temperatures, hot air, or continuous friction, forming fluid-filled sacs.

3. Wound Healing Process

• Stage 1: Bleeding (first 3 hours): The wound triggers blood vessel constriction, forming a blood clot with the help of platelets.

• Stage 2: Inflammation (next 3 days): Inflammatory response occurs (due to bacterial invasion), facilitating blood clotting and attracting white blood cells to combat bacteria.

• Stage 3: Proliferation (4 – 21 days): Collagen, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, etc. are produced to fill the wound with connective tissue.

• Stage 4: Remodeling (3 weeks after – 2 years): Connective tissue is restructured, and the wound gradually stabilizes.

4. Purpose of First Aid for Wounds

• Control bleeding: Stop blood loss and protect life.

• Prevent shock: Avoid shock caused by blood loss.

• Maintain vital functions: Ensure the victim’s body functions normally.

• Minimize infection risk: Prevent bacteria from entering the wound.

5. First Aid for Wounds Techniques

5.1. Preparation:

• Medical gloves

• Sterile gauze

• Saline solution

• Antiseptic solution

• Sterile scissors

• Hemostatic agent

• Support device (if needed)

5.2. First Aid Steps:

• Expose the wound: Remove clothing and objects around the wound, carefully avoiding further damage.

• Control bleeding:

• Direct pressure: Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area using sterile gauze and hold firmly for several minutes.

• Arterial compression: Compress the artery supplying blood to the wound, using clamps or hands (only apply if you have knowledge of anatomy and practical skills).

• Clean the wound: Rinse the wound thoroughly with saline solution, avoiding strong antiseptic solutions.

• Dress the wound:

• Bandage the wound with sterile gauze, avoiding tight bandaging, and checking blood circulation regularly.

• Elevate the injured limb if necessary.

• Transfer the victim to the hospital: Transport the victim to the nearest hospital for professional medical care.

5.3. Notes:

• Do not attempt to remove embedded objects from the wound.

• Do not try to reposition detached body parts.

• Do not use antibiotics without consulting a doctor.

• Always monitor the victim’s condition after providing first aid.

• Encourage tetanus vaccination or administration of antitoxin if necessary.

6. Principles of Bandaging Wounds

• Explain the bandaging procedure to the victim and encourage calmness.

• Allow the victim to sit or stand comfortably, using support devices for the injured limb if necessary.

• Clean the wound before bandaging.

• The first aider (FA) should stand to the side, avoiding pressure on the wound.

• Bandage from the tip of the limb to the root, apply even pressure, and use 1/2 or 2/3 of the bandage width.

• Do not bandage directly over the wound or pressure points.

• Check blood circulation every 10 minutes.

7. Types of Bandages

• Circular bandage: For neck, forehead, and lock bandaging.

• Spiral bandage: For the palm, sole, elbow, and shoulder.

• Figure-of-eight bandage: For the forearm, lower leg.

• Spiral reverse bandage: For the upper arm, lower arm, and thigh.

• Figure-of-eight bandage: For the elbow, knee, and heel.

• Folded bandage (return bandage): For the head.

8. Chest Wounds

• Chest wall wound: Loss of continuity of the chest wall without affecting the pleura.

• Penetrating chest wound: Penetrating through the pleura into the pleural cavity, potentially affecting lung tissue and neighboring organs.

9. Notes on First Aid for Chest Wounds

• Monitor the victim’s breathing regularly. You can use a gauze pad to cover the wound and apply gentle pressure to help stabilize the air pressure in the pleural cavity.

• Transfer the victim to the hospital as soon as possible.

10. Abdominal Wounds

• Bandage using a cup: Used for abdominal wounds with protruding intestines, helping to keep the intestines within the abdominal cavity and prevent infection.

11. Notes on First Aid for Abdominal Wounds

• Position the victim lying on their back with their legs slightly bent, avoiding vigorous movements.

• Do not attempt to push protruding intestines back into the abdomen.

• Transfer the victim to the hospital as soon as possible.

12. Conclusion

First aid for wounds is an essential skill that helps save lives and minimize the consequences of injuries. Mastering first aid knowledge and skills is the responsibility of everyone, contributing to protecting the health and lives of ourselves and those around us.

Note: The information provided in this article is for reference only. Always consult a doctor for advice and the most effective wound treatment.