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Safety First

Seasonal weather changes bring many varied outdoor recreational activities for the entire family. Occasionally, it also brings slips and falls! Wet leaves on the ground or snow and ice can result in an increase of scrapes, cuts, abrasions, and a variety of wounds. Proper attention to an injury is very important for a quick recovery.

  • Cleanse wounds with soap and water. Wash thoroughly and rinse well.
  • Apply a dry sterile dressing to site.
  • Wash hands before and after wound care. Rinse and dry well.
  • Rest as needed.
  • Seek immediate medical assistance if wound is associated with persistent bleeding, embedded foreign object, or suturing is needed.

Seek prompt medical consultation if:

  1. you are unsure of last tetanus immunization date particularly if injury is associated with garden soil or rusty nail,
  2. there are signs infection,
  3. the wound is caused by animal or human bite,
  4. it involves more than a superficial layer of skin,
  5. it is a facial wound

Wound care considerations include:

  • Good hand washing techniques,
  • Daily observation for infection,
  • Daily cleansing of wound and dressing change,
  • Dry sterile dressing when wound requires coverage to protect from irritation or environmental contaminants,
  • Appropriate disposal of soiled dressings.

Signs suggestive of infection and need for prompt medical consultation:

  • Purulent drainage
  • Increased pain
  • Swelling/tenderness
  • Red streaks extending from wound
  • Increased temperature
  • Wound not healing

If you should fall there are precautions that you should take in order to monitor a potential head injury.

Watch for any of the following symptoms:

  • Severe headache
  • Excessive drowsiness
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Double vision, blurred vision, or pupils of different sizes
  • Loss of muscle coordination such as falling down, walking strangely, or staggering
  • Any unusual behavior including confusion, irregular breathing, or dizziness
  • Convulsions
  • Bleeding or discharge from ear, nose or mouth

CONTACT YOUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN OR EMERGENCY SERVICES IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS

In any fall or injury, if someone is unconscious, semi-conscious, has chest pain or respiratory distress, is immobile, severely bleeding, or has back, neck, or large bone injuries - call 9-1-1 for help immediately!

This information is provided as a service of the Southington School Health Services. It is not meant to take the place of your doctor’s recommendations.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this material. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.