TYPES OF WOUNDS

When dealing with first aid, wounds are classified based on their characteristics and
severity. Here are the main types of wounds:
1. Abrasion (Graze or Scrape)
 Description: Caused by friction or rubbing against a rough surface, damaging
the outer layers of skin.
 Example: Falling and scraping your knee.
 First Aid: Clean the wound thoroughly to prevent infection and cover with a
sterile dressing.
2. Laceration
 Description: A deep cut or tear in the skin or flesh, often caused by sharp
objects like knives.
 Example: A kitchen knife injury.
 First Aid: Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding, clean the wound, and cover it.
Seek medical attention if it’s deep.
3. Incision
 Description: A clean, straight cut, often caused by sharp instruments like
surgical tools or razors.
 Example: Surgical wounds.
 First Aid: Control bleeding, clean the wound, and cover it. Stitches may be
required.
4. Puncture Wound
 Description: Caused by a pointed object piercing the skin, creating a small hole.
 Example: Nail or needle prick, animal bite.
 First Aid: Do not remove deeply embedded objects; clean around the wound
and seek medical attention for tetanus risk.
5. Avulsion
 Description: A forceful tearing of skin and tissue, sometimes leaving a flap of
skin.
 Example: Machinery accidents.
 First Aid: Control bleeding by applying pressure, save the avulsed tissue (if
possible), and seek immediate medical help.
6. Amputation
 Description: The partial or complete removal of a body part, such as a finger or
limb.
 Example: Industrial or farming accidents.
  First Aid: Control bleeding, preserve the amputated part (wrap it in a moist
sterile cloth and keep it cool), and get immediate medical assistance.
7. Contusion (Bruise)
 Description: Damage to blood vessels beneath the skin, causing discoloration
without breaking the skin.
 Example: Bumping into a hard object.
 First Aid: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
8. Burns (Thermal, Chemical, or Electrical)
 Description: Damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
 Example: Scald from hot water, acid spill, or electric shock.
 First Aid: Cool with running water for thermal burns, avoid using ice, and seek
specialized care if severe.
9. Crush Injury
 Description: Caused by heavy force compressing a body part, potentially
damaging tissues, muscles, or bones.
 Example: Being trapped under heavy machinery.
 First Aid: Call emergency services, monitor for shock, and avoid moving the
person unless necessary.
10. Gunshot Wound
 Description: A wound caused by the force of a bullet or projectile penetrating
the body.
 Example: Accidental shooting.
 First Aid: Control bleeding, avoid removing embedded bullets, and seek
immediate medical attention.
11. Ulcers and Open Sores
 Description: Chronic open wounds caused by prolonged pressure or infections.
 Example: Bedsores or diabetic ulcers.
 First Aid: Keep the area clean, dry, and seek long-term medical care.
Proper first aid can prevent complications like infections and speed up recovery.
Always assess the severity of a wound, and if in doubt, seek professional medical
assistance.
 TYPES OF WOUNDS

Each type of wound and include causes, symptoms, risks, first aid procedures, and additional tips
where relevant.

1. Abrasion (Graze or Scrape)

 Causes: Caused by friction when the skin rubs or slides against a rough surface (e.g., falling on gravel
or concrete).
 Symptoms: Superficial injury with raw, red skin, sometimes oozing blood or fluid.
 Risks: High risk of dirt or debris entering the wound, leading to infection.
 First Aid:
1. Wash hands before touching the wound.
2. Rinse the wound gently with clean water or saline solution to remove debris.
3. Pat dry with a sterile cloth and apply an antibiotic ointment.
4. Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing.
5. Change the dressing daily or as needed.
2. Laceration
 Causes: Caused by blunt trauma or sharp objects like broken glass, tools, or accidents.
 Symptoms: Jagged, irregular wound edges; significant bleeding depending on depth.
 Risks: Deep lacerations can damage muscles, nerves, or blood vessels and may require stitches.
 First Aid:
1. Apply direct pressure with a sterile cloth or gauze to stop bleeding.
2. Elevate the injured area above heart level (if possible).
3. Once bleeding stops, clean the wound with saline or clean water.
4. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing.
5. Seek medical care if the wound is deep or shows signs of infection.
3. Incision
 Causes: Sharp objects like knives or surgical tools create clean, straight cuts.
 Symptoms: Clean wound edges; may bleed heavily if a large blood vessel is cut.
 Risks: Can lead to scarring, infection, or blood loss.
 First Aid:
1. Stop bleeding by applying pressure.
2. Clean the area thoroughly with saline or antiseptic solution.
3. Apply a sterile dressing and ensure the wound remains clean.
4. If deep, seek stitches within 6-8 hours to minimize infection risk.
4. Puncture Wound
 Causes: Penetrating injuries from nails, needles, splinters, animal bites, or sharp objects.
 Symptoms: Small entry wound, potential bleeding, pain, or swelling.
 Risks: High risk of tetanus or deep infections due to bacteria carried into the wound.
 First Aid:
1. If the object is embedded, do NOT remove it; secure it in place and seek medical help.
2. If the object is removed, clean the wound thoroughly with water.
3. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile dressing.
4. Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date.
5. Avulsion
  Causes: Severe trauma where skin or soft tissue is forcibly torn away (e.g., machinery or animal
attacks).
 Symptoms: Heavy bleeding, exposed tissue, and often a skin flap.
 Risks: Excessive blood loss, infection, and tissue death.
 First Aid:
1. Apply direct pressure to control bleeding.
2. Wrap the avulsed tissue in a sterile cloth moistened with saline, and keep it cool (e.g., place
in a sealed plastic bag, then into ice water).
3. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing.
4. Transport the patient to the hospital immediately.
6. Amputation
 Causes: Severe accidents with machinery, sharp tools, or explosive forces.
 Symptoms: Missing body part, severe bleeding, and visible bone or tissue.
 Risks: Severe blood loss, infection, and shock.
 First Aid:
1. Control bleeding by applying a tight bandage or tourniquet above the wound.
2. Cover the wound with sterile gauze.
3. Preserve the severed part as described above for avulsion.
4. Call emergency services immediately.
7. Contusion (Bruise)
 Causes: Blunt force trauma damaging blood vessels under the skin.
 Symptoms: Skin discoloration (black, blue, or purple), swelling, and tenderness.
 Risks: Rarely serious unless involving internal organs.
 First Aid:
1. Apply a cold compress for 15–20 minutes to reduce swelling.
2. Elevate the affected area to reduce blood flow.
3. Monitor for increased pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the area.
8. Burns
 Causes: Heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
 Types:
o First-degree burns: Redness and mild pain (e.g., sunburn).
o Second-degree burns: Blistering and severe pain.
o Third-degree burns: Charred or white skin, damage to deeper tissues.
 First Aid:
1. Cool the burn with running water for 10–20 minutes.
2. Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing.
3. Avoid applying creams, oils, or ice directly to the burn.
4. For severe burns, seek immediate medical care.
9. Crush Injury
 Causes: Prolonged pressure from heavy objects (e.g., vehicle accidents or collapsed buildings).
 Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, numbness, or open wounds.
 Risks: Compartment syndrome (restricted blood flow), internal bleeding, or shock.
 First Aid:
1. Do not attempt to move the object unless it's a life-threatening situation.
2. Call emergency services.
3. Control visible bleeding and monitor for signs of shock.
10. Gunshot Wound
 Causes: High-speed projectiles penetrating the body.
 Symptoms: Entry and sometimes exit wounds, heavy bleeding, and damage to internal organs.
  Risks: Severe internal bleeding, infection, and shock.
 First Aid:
1. Control bleeding with sterile gauze or cloth.
2. Avoid probing the wound or removing the bullet.
3. Keep the person calm and monitor breathing.
4. Seek immediate emergency care.
11. Ulcers and Open Sores
 Causes: Prolonged pressure (bedsores), poor circulation (diabetic ulcers), or infections.
 Symptoms: Chronic, non-healing wounds with possible pus or odor.
 Risks: Infection, tissue damage, or delayed healing.
 First Aid:
1. Clean gently with saline or prescribed solutions.
2. Avoid pressure on the affected area.
3. Apply medicated dressings and seek long-term care for proper treatment.
NB: Each wound type requires prompt and appropriate care to prevent complications like infections,
scarring, or permanent damage. Always assess the severity and consult a medical professional
when necessary.