Module

Wounds & Amputations

Superficial wound

Only the upper skin layer is damaged — redness with pinpoint capillary bleeding. Can rinse with saline (or soapy water exceptionally), then sterile cover and bandage.

Deep wound

DO NOT rinse. Remove jewellery and clothing around the area. Cover sterile, bandage. Stop bleeding by appropriate method. Immobilise the limb.

Wound with foreign object

Carefully remove clothing around the area
DO NOT pull the object out
Pack sterile material around it
Bandage to fix the object so it can't move
Immobilise the body part

Foreign body in eye

Loose particles → rinse with water. Embedded object (metal, glass) → cover sterile, send to ophthalmologist; do NOT try to remove.

Amputation procedure

1. VODDO
2. Care for the wound on the patient FIRST, then the amputated part
3. Major amputation → Esmarch tourniquet + sterile cover
4. Immobilise the limb
5. Call 112
6. Wrap amputated part in MOIST sterile gauze
7. Place that in a waterproof bag, seal
8. That bag goes into a SECOND bag with cold water + ice cubes
9. Label with patient name and time of injury
10. NEVER place the part directly on ice — frostbite damage

Nosebleed

Sit, head leaning FORWARD (not back)
Pinch the soft part of the nose (below the bridge) with thumb and index
Do not blow the nose
Cold compress on the back of the neck
If >20 min or person is on blood thinners → see a doctor