Cuts, nicks, gashes, bashes, bruises, and burns are common injuries that can happen in everyday life. In this post, we focus on how to treat minor and major wounds, starting with simple, actionable steps. Whether you're looking to learn about proper wound care or prevent injuries altogether, this guide will give you the tools you need. Let's start with some basic terms like dressings and bandages and explore straightforward prevention tips.
Understanding Dressings and Bandages
Dressings: These are pads or materials placed on an open wound to absorb blood and fluids, prevent infection, and promote clotting. Bandages: Materials used to secure, wrap, or cover a dressing. Together, they control bleeding, apply pressure, provide support, and protect wounds from dirt or infection.
Key Tips:
Never remove a blood-soaked bandage. Instead, add more layers to help the blood clot.
Keep dressings in contact with the wound until medical care arrives or becomes necessary.
How Tight Should a Bandage Be?
Avoid applying bandages too tightly as this can restrict blood flow. Symptoms of restricted circulation include coldness, numbness, or discoloration (blue or pale tissue).
Apply even, moderate pressure that maintains circulation.
Important: Never apply a tourniquet without proper training and guidance.
Injury Prevention Tips
Safe Play Habits: Teach children and adults to avoid dangerous activities, such as running with sharp objects.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and eye protection are essential for activities like skateboarding, biking, or sports.
Follow Safety Protocols: Adhere to workplace and recreational safety guidelines to minimize risks.
What Are Bruises and How to Care for Them?
Bruises form when blood and fluids seep into tissues due to impacts, blows, or pressure. Here’s how to identify and treat them effectively.
What Bruises Look Like:
Discolored tissue (purple, black, brown, yellow, red, or blue)
Swelling
Pain or tenderness
What to Do:
Check the Scene and the Person: Ensure the area is safe and assess the person's ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
Call 911 if injuries appear severe.
Care for the Bruise:
Place a cloth or fabric over the bruise.
Cool the area to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation by applying an ice pack or cooling pad over the cloth.
Continue cooling for 20 minutes each hour as needed, ensuring the cloth stays between the ice and the skin.
Seek Medical Attention if the person experiences severe pain, cannot move the body part without discomfort, or if you suspect internal bleeding.
Why First Aid Knowledge is Crucial
Emergencies happen when we least expect them. Being prepared with the right knowledge and skills can make a life-saving difference.
Remember:
Protect Yourself
Call 911
Don’t Waste Time
Learn First Aid Today
Enroll in a First Aid and CPR course with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. and gain the confidence to respond to emergencies. Learn to treat bruises, cuts, burns, and more. Be the hero someone needs tomorrow by preparing today.
This material is for informational purposes only, derived from resources provided by The Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Alberta Health Services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, training, or treatment. Consult your local physician or safety training facility for further guidance.
RESOURCES:
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Jason T
Retired EMT - Heart & Stroke Foundation Senior Instructor