DEFINITION

A wound is a break in the continuity of the tissues of the body, either internal or external.

1. Classification of wounds

    a. Open

        An open wound is a break in the skin or the mucous membrane.

    b. Closed

        A closed wound involves injury to underlying tissues    without a break in the skin or a mucous membrane.

2. Types of open wounds

COMMON CAUSES

Wounds usually result from external physical force. The most common accidents resulting in open wounds are motor vehicle accidents, falls, and mishandling of sharp objects, tools, machinery, and weapons.

SYMPTOMS

Abrased Wounds

1. The outer layer of the protective skin are damaged. Abrased wounds usually result when the skin is scraped against a hard surface.
2. Bleeding is limited
3. Danger of contamination and infection exists.

Incisions

1. An incised wound or cut, frequently occurs when body tissue is cut on knives, rough edges of metal, broken glass or other sharp objects.
2. Bleeding may be rapid or heavy.
3. Deep cuts may damage muscles, tendons and nerves.

Lacerations

1. A lacerated wounds displys jagged, irregular, or blunt breaking or tearing of the soft tissues, and is usually caused when great force is exerted against the body.
2. Bleeding may be rapid and extensive
3. Destruction of tissue is greater in a lacerated wound than in a cut.
4. Deep contamination of the wound increases the chance for later infection.

Punctures

1. A punctured wound is produced by an object piercing skin layers, creating a small hole in the tissues. Puncture-producing objects include bullets and pointed objects, such as pins, nails, and splinters.
2. External bleeding is usually quite limited.
3. Internal damage may have resulted to the organs, causing internal bleeding.
4. The hazard of infection is increased because the flushing action of external bleeding is limited

FIRST AID FOR OPEN WOUNDS

1. Stop the bleeding immediately.

2. Protect the wound from contamination and infection

3. Provide shock care.

4. Obtain medical attention.