Learning Outcomes:

• To understand what open wounds are and their main dangers (severe bleeding, infection, and shock).

• To learn how to respond and treat an open wound, focusing on controlling bleeding with direct pressure and applying dressings.

• To know how to properly manage an embedded object and apply basic bandaging techniques (Spiral and Figure-of-Eight).

Lesson Content:

What is an Open Wound?

 An open wound is an injury where the skin is broken, exposing underlying tissues. It can range from minor cuts to severe lacerations, punctures, or amputations.

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Types of Open Wounds

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Dangers

• Severe bleeding, especially with arterial cuts

• Infection if bacteria enter the wound

• Shock from blood loss

• Permanent damage to nerves, vessels, or tissue

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Actions to take

• Ensure your safety and wear gloves if available

• Control bleeding

• Apply firm, direct pressure using a clean cloth or dressing

• If bleeding soaks through, add more dressings without removing the first

• When bleeding is controlled, secure dressing with a bandage

• If an object is embedded, do not remove it; pad around and secure it

• Clean wound edges gently with clean water if the wound is minor and bleeding has stopped

• Cover the wound to keep it clean and protected

• Keep the injured area still and elevated if possible

• Reassure the person and monitor for shock

• Call emergency help for severe wounds, heavy bleeding, amputations, or signs of shock

Wound Dressing Steps

• Wash or sanitize your hands and wear gloves

• Control bleeding first with direct pressure

• Rinse the wound gently with clean water if appropriate

• Dry the surrounding skin carefully

• Apply sterile dressing over the wound

• Secure dressing firmly with a bandage, avoiding cutting off circulation

• Check circulation below the bandage regularly (skin color, warmth, feeling, movement)

Bandaging Techniques

Spiral Bandage

• Used for areas with uniform thickness (forearm, lower leg)

• Make circular turns to anchor, then wrap in a spiral pattern upward

• Overlap each turn by half

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Figure-of-Eight Bandage

•  Used for joints like the knee, elbow, ankle

•  Make a turn above the joint, cross over the joint in a figure 8, then repeat

•  Continue until the joint is covered and supported

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What NOT to Do

• Do not remove embedded objects

• Do not touch the wound with bare hands

• Do not apply powders or ointments to deep wounds

• Do not bandage too tightly

Prevention Tips

• Use protective equipment during work and sports

• Keep sharp tools stored safely

• Treat even small cuts promptly to prevent infection