Leg Cut.

[troymitchell]

One of the workers that applied first-aid for suffered a very large laceration/abrasion on his left shin.  The wound stretched almost from ankle to knee and is almost 2 inches wide at its widest.  It is only a couple layers of skin peeled back but there is ample amount of open wound.  I cleaned and dressed the wound with non-adherent sponges, but I also applied alot of polysporin.  I have re-dressed the wound twice now, once every 24hours since the incident occured.  Should i advise him to remove the dressings? exposing the wound to open air? or should I continue this process of re-dressing.  And for how long?  The wound is still producing alot of liquid and even bleeding after 48 hours now.  

[caregiver222]

During the first world war a study was made comprising thousands of soldiers over the adviseablity of changing dressings daily, vs keeping the wound closed. It was found that the original practice of "opening" the wound for cleansing every day resulted in a far higher mortality.

That being said, I would concur with Londres that it is always a good idea to consult the original physician. I would suggest that you send them cell-phone images of the wound for their opinion.

[Londres70]

I don't understand you "advising" him about his medical care.  He should be following the ordered recommendations that the physician who seen him gave him.  He should have gotten instructions from the physician.  

Sounds to me like he should reconsult the physician.  

[troymitchell]

he has been seen by a physician... they dressed the wound the first time, i have simply been re-dressing it.  my question is how long should the process of re-dressing take place? and should we allow the wound some time outside of the bandaging to get some air?

[Londres70]

Please get him to PROFESSIONAL medical help; he needs to seen by a physician.