6. Treat Every Accident Victim for Shock

Minor Wounds and Injuries

Although you should be prepared to deal with a wide range of medical emergencies, your first-aid skills will probably be put to use most often in the treatment of relatively minor wounds and injuries. Remember to protect yourself with nonlatex gloves and other Universal Precautions as needed, as well as by washing your hands before and after treating your patient.

Bruises

The black-and-blue mark that is typical of a bruise is caused by blood leaking into skin tissues, often as a result of a blow from a blunt object. The skin is not broken. Some bruises are indicators of more serious injuries including fractured bones or damage to internal organs. This type of bruise requires the attention of a medical doctor.

Most bruises, however, can be treated by a person trained in first aid. To treat a bruise, place some ice (preferably) or a refreezable gel pack in a plastic bag or damp cloth. Place a towel or clean cloth over the bruised area and apply the ice pack for periods of no more than 20 minutes. This treatment will slow blood from leaking into the tissues. Minimizing movement of the affected area also slows bleeding into the bruise.