Lacerations and Wounds

Unit 1: Types of Lacerations, Debridement, and Assessment
This unit introduces the principles of wound assessment, focusing on different types of lacerations such as clean, contaminated, and necrotic wounds. Participants will learn the importance of assessing wound position, depth, tissue loss, and contamination. The unit highlights the process of converting contaminated wounds to clean ones through debridement. Clinical examples, including industrial and pretibial injuries, demonstrate best practices for achieving functional and cosmetic outcomes in wound management.

Unit 2: Treating Wounds and Lacerations
Explore techniques for treating slicing injuries, pre-tibial lacerations, and foot wounds. This unit emphasises tailoring treatment based on injury location, mechanism, and patient factors such as comorbidities. Key topics include selecting appropriate dressings, utilising Steri-Strips, and promoting healing through immobilisation and edema control. Practical tips, such as applying Steri-Strips effectively and managing challenging cases like beach-related wounds, provide real-world insights into wound care.

Unit 3: Hand and Finger Lacerations
This unit delves into the anatomy and management of hand and finger lacerations, highlighting critical considerations such as nerve, tendon, and joint injuries. Participants will learn proper splinting techniques to preserve function and prevent stiffness. Case studies include kitchen knife injuries and their associated challenges, such as ensuring correct diagnosis and follow-up care. The unit also addresses wound care for special populations, including children, the elderly, and frail individuals.

This course equips practitioners with the knowledge and skills to confidently manage lacerations and wounds in a variety of clinical settings, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction.