Introduction
Wounds can be caused by direct force (accident, cut, fall), extreme temperatures (burns or chills) and chemical substances (burns). Depending on the cause and extent of the wound, different first aid measures are indicated. In the case of minor injuries, these measures are often already a sufficient form of treatment. Often, however, further professional care by a doctor is required.
How do I treat a wound?
When treating a wound of any kind, there are some general recommendations that should be followed by the person helping. The person concerned should be asked to lie down or sit down. As a helper one should position oneself in such a way that one has the possibility to observe the person concerned.
Even small wounds can cause a reflex-like fainting due to pain or the sight of blood. A person falling uncontrollably can suffer further serious injuries. It is also important to assess in advance whether further help is needed (in the case of major injuries, an ambulance service may even be required) and whether there is a risk of further injury (secure the scene of the accident first after a traffic accident!).
For the actual wound treatment, the first aider should wear disposable gloves, such as those found in a first-aid kit, if possible. The following rules must be observed during treatment: Every large and open wound should be evaluated by a doctor afterwards. In most cases, the family doctor or the family emergency service is suitable as the first point of contact.
An examination of the tetanus vaccination protection is absolutely necessary. In case of stab wounds caused by sharp objects, hemostasis should be initiated first. In case of deeper injuries, a doctor must be consulted without fail.
- The wound should not be touched directly.
- As a rule, the wound should not be washed out (exception: burns and burns should be rinsed with lukewarm running water)
- Possible foreign bodies should NOT be removed.
- Disinfectants, powders, ointments or sprays should not be used either (recommendation of the German Red Cross for first aid in case of wounds).
- The actual wound treatment depends on where the injury is, what caused it and whether it is still bleeding or not.
- The basic principle is always the application of a sterile wound covering and its fixation with a compress or plaster. It is not the appearance of the dressing that is important, but the complete coverage of the wound, secured against slipping.
- Bleeding wounds should be treated with a pressure bandage. All necessary utensils as well as illustrated instructions can be found in most first aid kits. A laceration in particular bleeds heavily, so that a pressure bandage is the best option.
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