Blunt Trauma Injury
For legal purposes, document injuries with photographs or video, as soon as possible.
First-aid:
- If wound is open, wash with water and gentle soap.
- Cover with clean, dry dressing (like a gauze pad).
- Apply ice to reduce swelling. Wrap ice in cloth or use ice pack. Do not apply ice directly to skin.
Call ambulance for:
- Injuries to head, neck, or spine.
- Prolonged vomiting.
- Blood in urine if hit in back.
- Swelling, tenderness, discoloration, hard areas, or signs of shock following abdominal injury.
Aftercare:
- Pain and swelling may increase, and area of redness and bruising may expand for up to 3 days.
- Apply ice as long as swollen.
- Rest with injured arm or leg elevated.
- Khaniq el Fahd (Arnica montana) is a good herbal remedy for bruising and swelling. You can buy Homeopathic Arnica pills. Dissolve under tongue as instructed on package. Potency: 30c.
See doctor for:
- Injuries to face (get checked for fractures).
- Injuries that affect movement of a joint.
- Signs of infection (these signs do not occur until at least a day after the injury):
- Red streaking of surrounding skin.
- Pus draining from area.
- Tender lumps or swelling in armpit, groin, or neck.
- Foul odor from area.
- Generalized chills or fever over 37.5C.
page revision: 7, last edited: 24 Feb 2011 10:49