Soft-Tissue Injury

Question 1

DCAP-BTLS

Answer 1

D - Deformities
C - Contusions
A - Abrasions
P - Penetrating
B - Burns
T - Tenderness
L - Lacerations
S - Swelling

Question 2

Soft-Tissue Injuries are divided up into three categories

Answer 2

• Closed Injuries; soft tissue damage beneath skin or mucous membrane
• Open Injuries; break in surface, exposing tissue too contamination
• Burns

Question 3

Treatment for Closed Injuries (priority order)

Answer 3

1) ABC’s
2) Treat for hypoperfusion (shock) by raising legs 6”-12”, maintaining a stable body temperature and providing high flow oxygen
3) RICES
- Relax
- Ice to constrict vessels and reduce swelling
- Compress blood vessels to slow bleeding
- Elevate injured part
- Splint any extremity if injured to decreased bleeding and pain

Question 4

Treatment for Open Injuries (priority order)

Answer 4

1) ABS’s and 3 part occlusive dressing to open chest wounds
2) Direct pressure with dry sterile dressing
3) Apply pressure dressings
4) Tourniquet if needed
5) Treat shock symptoms

Question 5

Treatment to Abdominal Injury (priority order)

Answer 5

1) ABC’s
2) If evisceration, cover the wound with moist sterile gauze, then again with an occlusive dressing
3) Prevent heat loss
4) Treat shock symptoms

Question 6

Treatment for Impalement (priority order)

Answer 6

1) ABC’s
2) Do not remove object unless it gets in the way of airway or CPR
3) Direct pressure around object
4) Stabilize object with bulky dressing
5) Tape rigid object over impaled item and its bandaging
6) Treat shock symptoms