EMT Chapter 30 - Soft-Tissue Trauma

soft tissues

include various components such as skin, fatty tissues, muscles, blood vessels, connective tissues, membranes, glands, and nerves.

epidermis

the outer layer of the skin.

dermis

the inner (second) layer of skin, rich in blood vessels and nerves, found beneath the epidermis.

subcutaneous layers

the layers of fat and soft tissues found below the dermis.

closed wound

an internal injury with no open pathway from the outside.

contusion

a bruise

hematoma

a swelling caused by the collection of blood under the skin or in damaged tissues as a result of an injured or broken blood vessel. In a head injury, a collection of blood within the skull or brain.

crush injury

an injury caused when force is transmitted from the body’s exterior to its internal structures.

open wound

an injury in which the skin is interrupted, exposing the tissue beneath.

abrasion

a scratch or scrape.

laceration

a cut; it may be smooth or jagged

puncture wound

an open wound that tears through the skin and destroys underlying tissues.

avulsion

the tearing away or tearing off of a piece or flap of skin or other soft tissue.

amputation

the surgical removal or traumatic severing of a body part, usually an extremity.

superficial burn

a burn that involves only the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. It is characterized by reddening of the skin and perhaps some swelling. Also called a first-degree burn.

partial thickness burn

a burn in which the epidermis is burned through and the dermis is damaged. Burns of this type cause reddening, blistering, and a mottled appearance. Also called a second-degree burn.

full thickness burn

a burn in which all the layers of the skin are damaged. There are usually areas that are charred black or areas that are dry and white. Also called a third-degree burn.

rule of nines

method for estimating burn extent, with each major area (head, arms, chest, abdomen, back, and legs) representing 9% of body surface, and 1% for the genital region.

rule of palm

a method for estimating the extent of a burn. The palm and fingers of the patient’s own hand, which make up about 1 percent of the body’s surface area, are compared with the patient’s burn to estimate its size.

dressing

any material used to cover a wound that will help control bleeding and prevent additional contamination.

bandage

any material used to hold a dressing in place.

universal dressing

bulky dressings used for profuse bleeding or when a large wound must be covered.

pressure dressing

a bulky dressing held in position with a tightly wrapped bandage, which applies pressure to help control bleeding.

occlusive dressing

any dressing that forms an airtight seal.