Injury

Injury is an act that damages or hurts. The term is frequently used in medicine.

There are many different injuries and other medical emergencies that a first aid provider can prepare themselves and their first aid kit to deal with. Considering what you may have to treat ahead of time can greatly improve your chances of success later on.

Injuries are perhaps the most common medical issue that first aid providers will need to treat since they often require immediate response, in comparison to most illnesses and ailments, and happen without any warning or development.

• Bone fractures are one of the most common severe injuries sustained during a disaster, having splinting materials, pain killers, and the proper knowledge of use will go a long way in helping to treat the patient.

• Burns may be thermal (heat), chemical, friction or radiation (i.e. sunburn & radioactive poisoning).

• Concussion - Head injuries may appear to be minor at first but can lead to coma and death if not properly treated.

• Flesh wounds - This covers open and closed wounds such as abrasions, incisions, lacerations, punctures, contusions, and avulsions.

• Bites by any creature are dangerous, some are also toxic, or may spread disease.

• Frostbite is a cold injury where tissue has become frozen.

• Immersion Foot, often called trench foot, is a serious condition that can lead to infection or gangrene.

• Joint dislocations are both painful and dangerous to the victim if blood vessels or nerves become pinched when reset.

• Sprains can be more debilitating than breaks in some cases and may easily incapacitate a person.

See also

• Illness
• Ailment
• Exercise