Page 106 - Participant Manual

Box 6-1. Does This Wound Need Medical Attention?

Depending on the cause of the wound and the nature of the injury, it may be necessary to see a
healthcare provider for treatment.

Tetanus Prophylaxis

When a wound is deep or dirty, you should seek care from a healthcare
provider, especially if you do not know or cannot remember when you last
had a tetanus booster shot, or if it has been more than 5 years since your last
tetanus booster shot. Tetanus is a severe bacterial infection that can result
from a puncture wound or a deep laceration. The bacteria that cause tetanus
are commonly found in soil and animal manure. Once introduced into the body
via a deep or dirty wound, they produce a powerful toxin that can cause muscle
paralysis and death. Signs and symptoms of tetanus infection include muscle
spasms and stiffness. The spasms and stiffness begin in the jaw and neck,
leading to difficulty swallowing (a classic sign of tetanus). As the infection
progresses, the muscle spasms and weakness spread to the abdomen and
then to the rest of the body.

Although the effects of the tetanus toxin can be managed through administration of an
antitoxin, prevention through immunization is a better strategy. The initial tetanus vaccine series is
usually given during childhood, and then immunity is maintained through a booster shot given at
least every 10 years. Death rates from tetanus infection are highest among those who were never
immunized against tetanus and those who fail to maintain adequate immunization through regular
booster shots.

Placement of Stitches

Suturing a wound closed can speed the healing
process, reduce the chance for infection and
minimize scarring. Stitches should be placed
within the first few hours after the injury. If you
think that a wound needs stitches, it probably
does. If in doubt, have the wound evaluated by
a healthcare provider. In general, the following
types of wounds often require stitches:

■ Wounds that are deep or longer than ½ inch

■ Wounds on parts of the body where scarring
could impair appearance or function (for
example, the face, hands or feet)
■ Wounds caused by human or animal bites

■ Wounds with jagged edges that gape open

■ Wounds that are bleeding heavily and © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
uncontrollably

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