Soft Tissue Injuries

What are Soft Tissues?

• Soft tissues are the layers that

protect underlying body structures.

• Types of soft tissues:– Skin

• Epidermis

• Dermis

• Hypodermis

– Fatty Tissue– Muscle

Types of Soft Tissue Injuries

• Burns– First Degree (Affect only outer layer of skin).– Second and Third Degree (Damage all layers of skin).

• Closed Wounds– Bruises and Contusions

• Open Wound– Abrasion– Laceration– Avulsion– Puncture

Caring for a Soft Tissue Injury• Preventing Infection

– For minor wounds wash with soap and water.– Peroxide and Iodine– Immunization

• Control Bleeding– http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/k31.html

• Dressings– Occlusive Dressing

• Bandages– Pressure– Adhesive Compress– Roller– Elastic Roller– Triangular– http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/k32.html

Caring for Wounds

• Care for a Closed Wound– Elevate injury.– Apply cold.

• Care for a Open Wound– Put on gloves.– Control bleeding.– Apply a dressing and bandage.– Get victim to hospital.

• Prevent infection.• Minimize shock by keeping the victim from getting chilled or overheated.• Get the victim to a hospital.• http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/k29.html• http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/k28.html

Caring for a Burn

• Burns can be very dangerous– Heat, chemicals and electricity will cause

burns.

• Cool the burned are to stop the burning.

• Cover the burned area.

• Get the victim to a

hospital.http://www.instructorscorner.org/media/videos/k30.html

Special Situations

• Chemical Burns– Remove the chemicals from the body ASAP.– Call EMS

• Electrical Burns– The human body is a good conductor of

electricity.– Electricity can make the heart and respiration

stop.– Get victim to a hospital.

Summary

• Caring for Wounds– Wear gloves.– Control Bleeding and minimize risk of

infection.– Get victim to hospital.

• Caring for Burns– Heat, chemicals and electricity will cause

burns.– Wear gloves, provide initial care, get victim to

a hospital.