The risk of injury is high during a hurricane and other natural disasters, as well as after they have passed. Quick first aid administration can help cure small injuries and prevent infections. Tetanus is a potential health threat for people with open wounds.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if:
• There is a foreign object in the injury;
• The wound has a special infection risk (such as a dog bite or a puncture wound caused by a dirty object);
• An older wound shows signs of infection (increase in pain, swelling, redness, suppuration or if you have a fever).
How to care for minor injuries
• Carefully wash your hands with clean water and soap if possible.
• Avoid touching the wound with your fingers while treating (if possible, wear disposable latex gloves).
• Remove jewelry and clothes closet o the injured part of the body.
• Apply direct pressure on any bleeding wound to control the hemorrhage.
• Clean the wound after the hemorrhage has stopped.
o Check the wounds for dirt or foreign objects.
o Carefully wet the wound with bottled water or clean tap water (it is preferable to use saline solution if available).
o Carefully clean around the wound with clean water and soap.
o Pat-dry the wound, without rubbing, and apply an adhesive bandage or a clean towel.
• Leave unclean wounds, bites and puncture wounds open. Wounds that have not been cleaned correctly may retain bacteria and cause infections.
• If possible, provide pain killers.
Other considerations
• You must be aware that several types of infections might be present due to the wound’s exposure to stagnant water, sea life and sea water.
• Injuries in contact with dirt and sand might get infected.
• Puncture injuries may allow bits of clothes and dirt in the injuries and cause infections.
• Injuries by crushing are more prone to infection than injuries caused by cutting.
If you are injured, you should be assessed to determine if you need a tetanus shot. If you have a puncture injury or were hurt by an object contaminated with fecal matter, dirt or saliva, ask a health professional to determine if you need a reinforcement based on your medical record.
