Soft Tissue Injuries
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Soft Tissue Injuries
Educational Goals
Students should be able to describe the basic anatomy and function of the skin. They should recognize the various wound types and be able to describe the specific problems and treatment techniques associated with each. They must be able to control bleeding through pressure, elevation, and pressure points. They should be capable of explaining the importance of and techniques for wound care in the wilderness. Students should recognize and be able to treat infection and burns.
Discuss the common causes of soft tissue injuries around camp with your students. Demonstrate how to take precautions against blood-borne disease like HIV.
Key Points
• How does the skin function and what is its anatomy?
• How do you control bleeding (with disease precautions)?
• What are open soft tissue injuries?
• What are closed soft tissue injuries?
• How do you clean and dress a wound?
• What are the signs of infection?
• What type of burns are there and how do you treat them?
Teaching Considerations
Early in the course, encourage the prevention and prompt treatment of common camp injuries such as cooking burns, cut and cracked fingers, localized infections, bruises, and abrasions. It is especially important that students know how to control severe bleeding. Separate instruction can be devoted to infection and burns. Model infectious disease precautions by using gloves and have students treat their own minor wounds.
