Different Types of Wounds & Bleeding

Bruise (Contusion) Abrasion Cut (Incision) Laceration Puncture Tear (Avulsion)

Kind of wound Closed Open Open Open Open Open

Blow from something Skin being scraped Something sharp (e.g. Machinery, barbed wire, Blunt or pointed
Caused by blunt across a hard surface knife or glass) teeth or claws instruments
Severe force

Skin and other soft tissues to

Vessels under skin to
Injury causes bleed into surrounding
tissues
Outer layer of skin and
tiny underlying blood
vessels to be exposed
Skin, soft tissue or
muscles to be severed
Skin and underlying Skin and underlying
tissue damage and
be partially or completely
tissue damage torn away
possible infection

RICE 1. Clean wound 1. Clean wound 1. Clean wound 1. Clean wound 1. Return skin to
Rest the patient and 2. Apply non- thoroughly with thoroughly with thoroughly with original position is
the injured part adherent sterile gauze sterile gauze sterile gauze possible
dressing soaked in saline soaked in saline soaked in saline 2. Apply pressure to
Icepacks (cold
(if available) or in (if available), or (if available), or wound using a pad,
compress) in a wet
cooled, boiled in cooled boiled in cooled boiled with hand pressure
cloth may be applied to
water water water of a dressing to
the injury – for 15 mins
2. Apply non- 2. Apply non- 2. Apply non- control any bleeding
every 2 hrs for 24 hrs,
Management adherent adherent adherent 3. Bandage
then 15 mins every 4
dressing dressing dressing
hrs for 24 hrs
Compression
Bandages, such as
elastic bandages,
should be firmly
applied to extend well
beyond the injury
Elevate the injured part

St John Ambulance Australia (VIC) ABN: 69 061 844 380 in partnership with St John Ambulance Australia Inc. (RTO 88041)