Wound management in disaster settings
Version 2 2024-06-03, 18:34Version 2 2024-06-03, 18:34
Version 1 2015-02-05, 10:31Version 1 2015-02-05, 10:31
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-03, 18:34 authored by P Wuthisuthimethawee, SJ Lindquist, N Sandler, O Clavisi, S Korin, David WattersDavid Watters, RL GruenBackground Few guidelines exist for the initial management of wounds in disaster settings. As wounds sustained are often contaminated, there is a high risk of further complications from infection, both local and systemic. Healthcare workers with little to no surgical training often provide early wound care, and where resources and facilities are also often limited, and clear appropriate guidance is needed for early wound management. Methods We undertook a systematic review focusing on the nature of wounds in disaster situations, and the outcomes of wound management in recent disasters. We then presented the findings to an international consensus panel with a view to formulating a guideline for the initial management of wounds by first responders and subsequent healthcare personnel as they deploy. Results We included 62 studies in the review that described wound care challenges in a diverse range of disasters, and reported high rates of wound infection with multiple causative organisms. The panel defined a guideline in which the emphasis is on not closing wounds primarily but rather directing efforts toward cleaning, debridement, and dressing wounds in preparation for delayed primary closure, or further exploration and management by skilled surgeons. Conclusion Good wound care in disaster settings, as outlined in this article, can be achieved with relatively simple measures, and have important mortality and morbidity benefits. © 2014 Société Internationale de Chirurgie.
History
Journal
World journal of surgeryVolume
39Pagination
842-853Location
Berlin, GermanyPublisher DOI
Open access
- Yes
Link to full text
ISSN
0364-2313eISSN
1432-2323Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article, C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2014, SpringerIssue
4Publisher
SpringerUsage metrics
Keywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorksRefWorks
BibTeXBibTeX
Ref. managerRef. manager
EndnoteEndnote
DataCiteDataCite
NLMNLM
DCDC