Stitches:
The typical type stitches that we would use would be a herringbone stitch...each stitch made individually and tied off...otherwise you break one stitch and the whole thing goes...makes sense? Sometimes though...the wound is in a place that will get extra tension and use by bending...like an elbow...or knee...or parts of the hand...in that case you would also use what is called a mattress stitch which reinforces the other...it's hard to explain...but i'll try...it's like a double stitch that runs vertical on either side of the wound...the stitch across to the other side runs underneath and what you end up with is two vertical running stitches on either side...this supports the wound so that it doesn't pull and also helps with less scarring.
Dislocations:
1) Brace the patient.
2) Firmly grasp the limb dislocated.
3) Pull sharp and hard outward. (the limb will pop back into place. You will hear and feel the popping as He will).
4) Apply ice for swelling.
Broken Bones:
1) Brace the patient.
2) Check to see if the bone (by feeling and looking closely) is still in place, meaning a simple fracture or crack. If it is not you have try and set the bone by moving it about.
3) Cast the break. (if there is an open wound there as well you can not cast it but have to splint it.
4) Apply ice to the area (meaning if it is on the leg below the cast apply ice and raise the leg for swelling not to occur. If on the arm the same thoughts apply... ice can help when applied to the area not casted, if in the same general area.
First-degree burns:
* Involve outer layers of skin.
* Characterized by redness or discoloration.
* Mild swelling and pain.
Second-degree burns:
* Deep burn with red or mottled appearance.
* Blisters. * Considerable pain and swelling.
* Surface of the skin appears wet.
Third-degree burns:
* Deep tissue destruction with a white or charred appearance.
* Complete loss of all layers of skin.
* No immediate pain.
~Emergency Treatment~ First and second degree with no open blisters.
* Pour cool water on the burn (immerse if possible) to reduce pain.
* Cover with a moist, sterile dressing.
* Bandage burned area loosely.
Second degree with open blisters and third degree.
* Cover burn with a dry sterile dressing and bandage loosely.
* DO NOT put water directly on an open burn to cool as it increases risk of shock.
* DO NOT remove clothing that is sticking to a heat burn. Remove contaminated clothing which is in contact with a chemical burn.
* Treat for shock.
* Elevate burned areas if elevation does not cause pain or further injury.
Bandaging
Bandages and dressings protect wounds from further injury or infection.
Dressings are placed directly on wounds. Bandages hold dressings in place.
Use sterile rep cloth for bandages and dressings whenever possible.
In an emergency, it may be necessary to improvise.
Bandages can be made from clean handkerchiefs, tunics, silks or robes, using the cleanest material available.
In an emergency, secure bandages by tieing them, or using pins if available.
Generally bandages are secured with small metal butterfly clips.
Wash small cuts and scrapes thoroughly.
Pat dry with clean cloth before bandaging.
Do not wash bleeding head wounds.
Do not wash large, deep or heavily bleeding wounds.
Bandage them until they can be treated by a Physician.
Cut or tear clothing from wound.
Do NOT bandage over clothing.
Apply dressing over entire wound.
Do not contaminate.
Apply dressing straight down on wound.
Make bandage snug, but DO NOT cut off circulation.
Leave fingers and toes exposed.
Check for swelling, color changes, coldness.
If numbness or tingling occurs, loosen bandage immediately.
Bleeding
For bites, cuts, wounds, punctures & fractures... .
Use direct hand pressure on wound, using clean cloth under hand if possible .
If arm or leg wound, raise limb above heart level - IF NO FRACTURES.
If bleeding won't stop, continue direct pressure on wound and add finger pressure on nearest pressure point .
Once bleeding stops, bandage wound normally.
Scalp Pressure Point:
Press thumb against bone in front of ear .
Pressure may need to be applied on both sides of head because of excessive circulation in the head.
Facial Pressure Point:
Press fingers against hollow area of jaw.
Both sides may require compression.
Neck Pressure Point:
Do not compress on both sides of neck at same time.
Place thumb against back of neck against vertebrae .
On side of neck where wound is located, slide three fingers to side of airway next to adam�s apple.
Locate pulsing artery, then squeeze it toward your thumb.
Arm Pressure Point:
Place flat side of fingers in groove between muscles on inner side of arm.
Press toward bone about halfway between shoulder and elbow.
Hand Pressure Point:
Place your thumb on inner side of wrist, press toward bone.
Leg Pressure Point:
At the groin area where the legs and torso meet, press inner thigh against the bone with your fist or heel of hand.
NOTE: do not compress both sides of the femoral artery at once - it causes a sudden, profound bradycardia.