First Aid: Wounds and Bleeding
clean, straight cut
(if infection is advanced:) signs of fever, such as sweating, thirst, shivering and lethargy
pain in the eye or eyelids
a rapid pulse
profuse bleeding
caused by a sharp-edged object
dirty messy wound
bleeding less profusely than incised wounds
Incised Wound
caused by a blunt ripping force
Laceration
raw and tender
minimal bleeding
caused by a sliding fall or a friction burn
Abrasion
bruising and swelling
no bleeding
caused by a blunt force/blow
Contusion Wound
small entry site
minimal bleeding
caused by standing on a nail or being pricked by a needle
Puncture Wound
a deep incision
massive bleeding
caused by a sharp or bladed object, usually a knife
Stab Wound
small and neat entry wound and large and ragged exit wound
massive bleeding
caused by a missile or bullet being driven into or through the body
Gunshot Wound
partial or total loss of vision
visible wound and/or bloodshot appearance
leakage of blood or clear fluid from a wound
eye wound
faint red trails on the skin that lead to the glands in the neck, armpit or groin
swelling and tenderness of the glands in the neck, armpit or groin
pus within, or oozing from, the wound
swelling, redness and a feeling of heat around the injury
increasing pain and soreness at the site of the wound
Infected Wound
sweating
pale, cold, clammy skin
rapid, shallow breathing
a weak, "thready" pulse (when the pulse at the wrist disappears, about half of the blood volume will have been lost)
cyanosis
weakness and dizziness
nausea, and possibly vomiting
thirst
restlessness and aggressive behaviour
yawning and grasping for air
casualty becomes unresponsive
heart stops
confusion, restlessness and irritability
bleeding from orifices
(in case of violent injuries,) "pattern bruising" -- an area of discoloured skin with a shape that matches the pattern of clothes or crushing or restraining objects
pain
info from the casualty that indicates recent injury, illness or operation
and possible collapse
Internal Bledding
at first
as it develops
as the brain's oxygen supply weakens
and weak
Shock