PRIMEROS AUXILIOS EMERGENCIAS SISTEMA TEGUMENTARIO HERIDAS Y HEMORRAGIAS - SESIÓN 7
Introduction to First Aid for Skin Emergencies
Welcome and Course Overview
- Estefanía Hernández welcomes participants to session 7 of the first aid course, focusing on skin emergencies.
- Encourages viewers to subscribe and activate notifications for future content.
Understanding Skin Emergencies
Types of Injuries and Their Risks
- Discusses the importance of managing skin injuries due to risks of infection and damage to adjacent tissues like muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
Classification of Wounds
- Defines a wound as a break in the skin or tissues caused by external (e.g., knives, glass) or internal factors (e.g., broken bones).
Open vs. Closed Wounds
- Open Wounds: Involves separation of soft tissues; higher risk for contamination.
- Closed Wounds: No visible separation; may cause hematomas or internal bleeding that requires prompt treatment.
Types of Wounds Based on Severity
Simple vs. Complicated Wounds
- Simple Wounds: Affect only the skin (e.g., scratches).
- Complicated Wounds: Extensive with significant bleeding; may involve deeper structures like muscles and organs. Signs include severe pain and visible tissue damage.
Indicators of Seriousness
- A wound is considered serious if it has:
- Separation greater than 3 cm.
- Size larger than the victim's palm.
- Continuous bleeding or exposure of underlying structures (muscle/bone).
Causes and Treatment Approaches
Types Based on Cause
- Lists various types including cuts, punctures, abrasions, contusions, etc., emphasizing that most superficial wounds can be treated locally with clean water or saline solution.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Serious wounds showing signs of infection should be treated by healthcare professionals rather than at home. Examples include deep cuts from sharp objects requiring tetanus vaccination or dog bites needing rabies shots.
First Aid Procedures for Non-Severe Injuries
Steps in Managing Minor Injuries
- Disinfect hands before treatment.
- Wear gloves during care.
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth until bleeding stops (3–5 minutes).
- Clean the wound gently without applying pressure if there’s no foreign object present.
- Cover with appropriate dressing based on size and type of injury while avoiding removal of embedded objects if present.( t =332 s )
Important Considerations
- Avoid using alcohol or ointments directly on wounds as they can worsen conditions; do not use cotton which may leave fibers behind.( t =379 s )
Understanding Hemorrhages
Definition and Types
- A hemorrhage is defined as blood loss from blood vessels due to trauma; symptoms vary based on whether it's arterial (bright red), venous (dark red), or capillary (light red).( t =438 s )
Visual Indicators
First Aid for Hemorrhages
Understanding Shock and Its Signs
- If a victim loses one liter or more of blood, signs of shock may be evident, including paleness, sweating, coldness, altered consciousness, and weak or nearly imperceptible pulse and respiration.
Causes of Hemorrhages
- Major causes of hemorrhages include wounds, coagulation issues, and organ diseases. It's crucial to consider these factors when providing first aid.
First Aid Recommendations
- Always wear gloves when administering first aid. The simplest method is direct digital compression with a clean gauze or cloth until bleeding stops or the hospital is reached. Do not remove the initial dressing if it becomes soaked; this is where clots form.
- Elevate the affected limb to reduce blood flow. In cases of severe arterial bleeding that is hard to control, apply a tourniquet above the wound using a stick and bandage.
Emergency Response Steps
- If severe bleeding occurs, activate emergency services by calling 123. For internal bleeding (e.g., digestive tract), assess for hypovolemic shock signs like pale skin and rapid weak pulse before transporting to an emergency service.
Specific Situations in First Aid
- For nasal hemorrhage:
- Wear gloves.
- Lean forward instead of backward.
- Compress the bleeding nostril for 10 minutes while breathing through the mouth.
- Apply cold compresses on the nose, forehead, and neck to promote vasoconstriction. If bleeding persists after these measures, seek urgent care.
Managing Extremity Bleeding
- For extremity injuries:
- Apply direct pressure on the wound.
- Elevate the affected limb.
- Use a tourniquet on the proximal artery if necessary.
Addressing Severe Injuries
- For head, chest, or abdominal injuries: apply direct pressure on wounds and secure dressings with cloth or bandages. Maintain calmness as victims may experience fear or confusion due to blood loss.
Conclusion & Further Learning