Accidental wounds can happen to you anytime! Proper first aid before hospital transfer can help reduce the severity of the wound if done correctly.
How many types of wounds are there… and how to safely provide first aid
A wound is a condition where normal body tissue is separated and not continuous. It can be divided into 2 types:
- Acute Wound usually results from sudden injury. It is commonly named according to the cause, such as gunshot wounds, cuts or stabs from sharp objects, bite wounds, surgical wounds, burns from hot objects like fire or hot water, etc. It also includes some types of wounds like bruises where the outer skin may not have a tear but there is rupture of capillaries causing bleeding under the skin, visible as bruises or hematomas.
- Chronic Wound is a wound that is difficult to heal or heals slower than the expected time. Most doctors diagnose wounds that do not heal within 3 – 4 months as “chronic wounds.” Chronic wounds are often found in elderly or middle-aged patients who have pre-existing illnesses.
Proper wound treatment
The key principle in treating all types of wounds is to turn an open wound into a closed wound by following these guidelines:
- Clean wounds have no remaining dirt and can be sutured immediately if the time from injury to treatment is not more than 12 hours, considered still clean wounds. However, if treatment is delayed, bacterial growth may increase, raising the risk of infection.
- Dirty wounds are infected, have dead tissue, or foreign objects. These wounds must be cleaned and have sufficient blood supply before being converted into closed wounds by suturing the wound edges. Small wounds may heal on their own by waiting for the epidermis at the wound edges to grow over the wound along with contraction of the wound edges. However, if the wound is large with heavy lymphatic drainage, vacuum-assisted closure techniques may be needed to speed up healing.
New innovations in wound treatment
- Temporary Closure Current wound closure innovations use a variety of materials. Previously, gauze or wax-based substances were used to inhibit microbial growth. Now, wound closures have developed into silicone contact materials that allow oxygen to permeate the wound, preventing it from drying out or becoming too wet. Some dressings contain Silver (made from silver nanoparticles) to inhibit microbial growth, while others are made from synthetic algae substances that turn into gel upon contact with fluids, helping to absorb infection from the wound.
- EGT (Epidermal Growth Factor) is an innovation in wound treatment that accelerates cell division faster than normal, similar to hormones in the body that stimulate epithelial cell production.
ICU for accident patients… reducing the risk of wound infection
Phyathai 2 Hospital is ready to accommodate patients with a critical care unit or ICU specifically for accident patients, reducing the chance of wound infection from other patients, along with a team of doctors and nurses specialized in wound care, ready to take care of you 24 hours a day.
“No matter how severe the injury, our medical and nursing team can treat it. Beautiful wounds… fast drying at Phyathai 2 Hospital.”
Dr. Nopadol Narupiti
Specialist in colorectal surgery
Surgical Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
