Other Injuries: Musculoskeletal Injuries
Soft Tissue Injuries - commonly referred to as wounds, are injuries to the skin, muscles, nerves, and bloods vessel.
Close wounds - injury to the soft tissue beneath unbroken skin.
Pre - hospital treatment for Closed Wounds:
Used universal precaution, active EMS and secure the scene.
1. Apply "RICE" method: Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate.
2. Monitor the patient for any rapid change in vital signs that might indicate
internal bleeding, which should be treated by a physician.
3. Treat for shock
4. Transport the patient as soon as possible.
To recognize Closed Wounds are the following:
1. swelling
2. tenderness
3. discoloration
4. possible deformity
Open wounds - a soft tissue injury resulting in breaking of the skin.
Pre - hospital treatment for Open Wounds:
Used universal precautions, active EMS and secure the secene.
1. Expose the wound. Remove all clothing and expose soft tissue. Avoid removing clothing by pulling it over the
patient's head. Best method is to remove clothing by cutting with trauma scissors.
2. Control bleeding. Begin with direct pressure or indirect pressure and elevation. If wound continues to bleed use a
pressure point. Use a tourniquet only as a last result.
3. Prevent contsamination. Remove debris and contamination around the surface of the wound. Do not try to remove
embedded particles.
4. Dress and bandage.
5. Cover the paient.
6. Treat for shock.
7.Transport the patient as soon as possible.
Soft Tissue Injuries - commonly referred to as wounds, are injuries to the skin, muscles, nerves, and bloods vessel.
Close wounds - injury to the soft tissue beneath unbroken skin.
Pre - hospital treatment for Closed Wounds:
Used universal precaution, active EMS and secure the scene.
1. Apply "RICE" method: Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate.
2. Monitor the patient for any rapid change in vital signs that might indicate
internal bleeding, which should be treated by a physician.
3. Treat for shock
4. Transport the patient as soon as possible.
To recognize Closed Wounds are the following:
1. swelling
2. tenderness
3. discoloration
4. possible deformity
Open wounds - a soft tissue injury resulting in breaking of the skin.
Pre - hospital treatment for Open Wounds:
Used universal precautions, active EMS and secure the secene.
1. Expose the wound. Remove all clothing and expose soft tissue. Avoid removing clothing by pulling it over the
patient's head. Best method is to remove clothing by cutting with trauma scissors.
2. Control bleeding. Begin with direct pressure or indirect pressure and elevation. If wound continues to bleed use a
pressure point. Use a tourniquet only as a last result.
3. Prevent contsamination. Remove debris and contamination around the surface of the wound. Do not try to remove
embedded particles.
4. Dress and bandage.
5. Cover the paient.
6. Treat for shock.
7.Transport the patient as soon as possible.