Marine First Aid Level 4 (VTQ)

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Serious grazes

Video 106 of 205
3 min 8 sec
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Treating Serious Grazes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Serious Grazes

Serious grazes are common injuries, often caused by falls on hard surfaces like roads or paths. While minor grazes are relatively simple to treat, **larger grazes require more careful attention** to prevent infection and promote healing.

Common Causes of Serious Grazes

In a marine environment, serious grazes might occur from falling onto rough surfaces such as stones near jetties or paths. Although these injuries are less likely to happen directly on a boat, they can easily occur during activities onshore.

Example: A fall from a push bike on a road can result in a large graze, often with gravel embedded in the wound.

Initial Cleaning of the Wound

The first step in treating a serious graze is to **clean the wound thoroughly**. This process can be painful, especially if gravel or debris is embedded in the skin.

Important: Do not attempt to remove embedded objects yourself, as this could cause further damage or increase bleeding. Instead, focus on washing the area with sterile water or saline solution.

Washing the Wound

  • If available, use saline solution to rinse the wound.
  • If saline is not available, bottled mineral water is a good alternative.
  • Avoid using tap water from the boat's hold, as it may not be clean and could increase the risk of infection.

Dressing the Wound

Once the wound is as clean as possible, it's important to cover it with a **low-adherent dressing** to protect it and promote healing.

Tips for Dressing Serious Grazes:

  • Use gauze pads or low-adherent dressings that won't stick to the wound.
  • If the graze is large, use a trauma dressing if available, or layer smaller dressings to cover the entire area.
  • Secure the dressing with a bandage, but ensure it is not too tight to restrict circulation.

Monitoring the Wound and Seeking Medical Help

After dressing the wound, **monitor it closely for signs of infection**. Look out for symptoms such as pus, warmth, or increased moisture, which could indicate an infection.

Key Advice: Due to the size and severity of a serious graze, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially if there are any signs of infection. For smaller grazes, keep the area clean, and watch for any changes.

Final Considerations

**Proper care** of serious grazes is essential to prevent complications. Always clean the wound thoroughly, use appropriate dressings, and seek medical advice if necessary.