Wounds

Abrasions

situation, the immediate administration of

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by a rescuer

Abrasions are made when the skin is rubbed or

using correct procedures greatly increases the chances

scraped off. Rope burns, floor burns, and skinned

of a victim's survival.

knees or elbows are common examples of abrasions.

CPR consists of external heart compression and

There is usually minimal bleeding or oozing of clear

artificial ventilation. The compressions are performed

fluid.

by pressing the chest with the heel of your hands, and

Incisions

the lungs are ventilated either by mouth-to-mouth or

mouth-to-nose techniques. To be effective, CPR must

Incisions, commonly called cuts, are wounds

be started within 4 minutes of the onset of cardiac

made with a sharp instrument, such as a knife, razor,

arrest.

or broken glass. Incisions tend to bleed very freely

because the blood vessels are cut straight across.

Lacerations

CAUTION

Lacerations are wounds that are torn, rather than

CPR should NOT be attempted by a

cut. They have ragged, irregular edges and masses of

rescuer who has NOT been properly trained.

torn tissue underneath. These wounds are usually

Improperly done, CPR can cause serious

made by blunt forces, rather than sharp objects. They

damage to a victim. Therefore, CPR is

are often complicated by crushing of the tissues as

NEVER practiced on a healthy individual.

well.

For training purposes, a training aid is used

instead. To learn CPR, you should take an

Punctures

approved course from a qualified CPR

instructor.

Punctures are caused by objects that penetrate

some distance into the tissues while leaving a

relatively small surface opening. As a rule, small

punctures do not bleed freely; however, large puncture

For additional information on administering CPR,

wounds may cause severe internal bleeding.

refer to Standard First Aid Training Course,

NAVEDTRA 10081-D.

A puncture wound can be classified as penetrating

or perforating. A perforation differs from a

penetration in that it has an exit as well as an entrance

WOUNDS

site.

A wound, or breaking of the skin, is another

For additional information on the treatment of

wounds refer to Standard First Aid Training Course,

problem that could be the result of an electrical shock.

NAVEDTRA 10081-D.

An IC Electrician could accidentally come in contact

with an energized circuit, causing a loss of balance.

BLEEDING

This could result in a minor or serious injury. Because

you could be in a critical situation to save someone's

The first-aid methods that are used to stop serious

life, or even your own, you should know the basics of

bleeding depend upon the application of pressure.

first aid.

Pressure may be applied in three ways: (1) directly to

the wound, (2) at key pressure points throughout the

Wounds are classified according to their general

body, and (3) with a tourniquet.

condition, size, location, how the skin or tissue is

broken, and the agent that caused the wound.

Direct Pressure

When you consider the manner in which the skin

or tissue is broken, there are four general kinds

You should try the direct-pressure method first to

of wounds: abrasions, incisions, lacerations, and

control bleeding. Place a sterile first-aid dressing,

punctures.

when available, directly over the wound. Tie the knot

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