Chapter 10Soft Tissue Injures Brittney Morgan&Katie Larson

Vocabulary Soft tissues - Body structures that include the layers

of skin, fat, and muscles.

Wound - An injury to the soft tissue.

Burn - An injury to the skin or to other body tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity or radiation.

Dressing - A pad placed directly over a wound to absorb blood and other body fluids and to prevent infection.

Soft Tissues The soft tissues include the layers of skin, fat,

and muscle that protect the underlying body structures. Epidermis – Provides a barrier to bacteria and other

organisms that can cause infection. Dermis – Contains the nerves, sweat glands, oil

glands, and blood vessels. Hypodermis – Contains fat, blood vessels and

connective tissues. Adipose – Insulates the body to help maintain body

temperature, mechanical cushion, and source of energy.

Wounds Closed wound – Skin’s surface is not broken;

tissue damage and any bleeding occur below the surface Contusion – The simplest closed wound, also called

a bruise. When a bump or blow occurs, it results in damage to soft tissue layers and vessels, causing internal bleeding. Blood and other fluids seep into surrounding tissues, causing discoloration and swelling.

Closed Wounds Contusion – The simplest closed wound,

also called a bruise. When a bump or blow occurs, it results in damage to soft tissue layers and vessels, causing internal bleeding. Blood and other fluids seep into surrounding tissues, causing discoloration and swelling.

Signals of Severe Internal Bleeding: Rapid breathing Excessive thirst An injured extremity that is blue or

extremely pale

Open Wounds Open wounds - Skin’s surface is broken

and blood may come through

Open Wounds Abrasion – Skin that has been rubbed or

scraped away. Laceration – A cut, which may have either

jagged or smooth edges. Avulsion – A portion of the skin and sometimes

other soft tissue is partially or completely torn away.

Amputation – A body part that is severed. Puncture/Penetration – when the skin is

pierced with a pointed object.

General Care

Minor Wounds Major Wounds Embedded/Impaled Objects

Minor Wounds Use a barrier between you and the victim Apply direct pressure for a few minutes to

control bleeding Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and

water and gently dry with clean gauze Cover with clean dressing and a bandage Wash hands immediately after

Major Wounds Call 911 or emergency local number Put on gloves Control external bleeding by:

o Cover with dressing and press firmlyo Apply pressure bandageo If blood soaks through, do not remove the

original bandage, add more

Major Wounds(page 2) Monitor persons condition Have person rest comfortably Wash your hands

Embedded/Impaled Objects

Call 911 Put on disposable gloves Do not remove object Apply direct pressure to edges of the wound Use a bulky dressing to stabilize the object Control bleeding by bandaging the dressing

in place around the object Wash hands immediately after

Infection Care:

o Keep area cleano Soak in clean, warm watero Apply antibiotic ointment

Burns

1st Degree 2nd Degree 3rd Degree Care for burns Chemical Electrical

1st Degree Also called a superficial burn. Involve only the top layer of skin Cause skin to become red and dry; are

usually painful; and the area may swell Usually heal within a week

2nd Degree Also called a partial-thickness burn. Involve the top layers of skin Cause skin to become red; are usually

painful; have blisters that may open and weep clear fluid

Usually heal in 3 to 4 weeks

3rd DegreeAlso called a full-thickness burn. May destroy all layers of skin and some

or all of the underlying structures. The skin may be brown or black

(charred), with the tissue underneath, can either be extremely painful or painless (If the burn destroys nerve endings).

Healing requires medical assistance; scarring is likely.

Care For BurnsHeat (Thermal) Stop the burning by removing the person

from the source of the burn Check for life-threatening conditions Cool the burn with large amounts of cold

running water Cover loosely with a sterile dressing Take steps to minimize shock Comfort and reassure the person

Care For BurnsChemical Remove the chemical from the skin, be

careful not to get the chemical on yourself

Flush the burn with large amounts of cool running water. Continue for 20 minutes.

Take steps to minimize shock

Care For BurnsElectrical Check the scene If possible, turn off the power at its source

and care for any life threatening emergencies

Call 911 Care for shock and thermal burns Look for entry and exit wounds Check for additional injuries