Accident Follow-Up Care

Wound Care (cuts, abrasions, burns,)

1. Keep dressing clean and dry.

2. Elevate the wound to help relieve soreness and help speed wound healing.

3. You have received ___ sutures. Sutures should be removed in ___ days.

4. Wound should be checked at Student Health Center in ___ days. (Dressing should not be removed unless soiled.)

5. If signs of infection occur, report to the Student Health Center promptly

Signs of Infection

1. Increased pain

2. Fever

3. Pus

4. Swelling and tenderness at wound site

5. Red streaks under the skin from the wound site

Do not break blisters. Do not use salves, jelly, ointment, or any other type of commercial burn or first aid cream unless instructed to do so. Do not use non-sterile dressings.

Sprain & Severe Bruises

1. Avoid use of involved area until pain is gone or until instructed by your health care practitioner.

2. Elevate the injured part to reduce pain and swelling. You can used pillows, or chair with cushions.

3. Ice packs also help reduce swelling, especially during first 48 hours. Place ice in plastic bag and cover bag with cloth before applying to skin.

4. If you have an elastic bandage you should observe your fingers or toes for swelling, numbness or discoloration (white or blush). If any of these signs develop, remove the bandage and elevate your arm or leg for 30-60 minutes, then loosely reapply the bandage. If such signs recur, contact the Student Health Center. The elastic bandage should be removed when sleeping.

5. For the relief of pain and swelling, take the medicine prescribed by the health care provider.

6. If you have a cast, keep it perfectly dry at all times. Wait 48 hours before you apply weight to the cast.

 
Back & Neck Injury

1. Use heat or cold on the injured area, which ever seems to help the most. Be careful not to burn yourself, nor place ice directly on your skin.

2. Rest and relax as much as possible. If you are tense, the problem will be worse.

3. Gentle but firm massage will increase circulation and help to relieve soreness.

Head Injury

1. Stay at rest for___ days

2. Eat a light diet for 2 days

3. Avoid aspirin/ aspirin substitute (e.g. Advil)

4. Report to your health care practitioner at once if anything listed below occurs:

• increased drowsiness or confusion

• restlessness or convulsions (fits)

• persistent vomiting

• stiff neck

• unequal eye pupils (one pupil large, one small)

• weakness or paralysis of either arm or leg

• continued severe headache

• blood or clear fluid dripping from the ears nose or mouth

• marked slowing of the pulse

• temperature above 102:F

• pulsing pain in eyes

• blurred vision

DO NOT blow a bloody nose or attempt to clear blood from ears

General Instructions

1. Tetanus toxoid was/was not given.__ (You will require an additional booster in __ weeks.)

2. Take prescribed medication as directed.

3. Make an appointment with_______ in__days.

4. Avoid any use of the injured part.

5. Allow only limited use of the injured part.

6. You need not necessarily limit activity.

7. Aspirin/aspirin substitute (e.g. Tylenol) for pain or fever___ OK to use, ___ NOT OK to use. (Avoid: Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, Advil)

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