Contusions (AKA scrapes and bruises) can vary from minor bruises and scrapes to large, painful hematomas. They can be minor or can hide deeper injuries.
- What was the mechanism of injury? Did the person trip and scrape a knee? Fall out of a tree? Crash their bike?
- Is the wound dirty? Wash any open wound with clean water and if visible dirt is present, wash while scrubbing with a wash cloth.
- Is there any abdominal pain? If so, there may be internal bleeding and the patient should be monitored closely/checked on frequently, at least for the next few hours.
- Is there any swelling or underlying bone injury? If there is significant pain at the site of the injury, especially when bearing weight, consider that there may be a broken bone or at least a sprain.
- Wash the wound thoroughly, removing as much dirt or debris as possible
- If the wound is open, apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly/Vaseline to a bandage, then cover the wound with bandage.
- If there is swelling at the site of the wound apply an elastic compression bandage (like an ACE bandage) if you can.
- If you have ice, apply an ice pack.
- Instruct patient to change the bandage daily and watch for any signs of infection: redness, drainage from the wound, fever, increasing pain and swelling.