As a veterinarian, it is crucial to possess knowledge and skills in wound care management. In her webinar titled “Emergency Wound Management,” Chloe Fay, a veterinary nurse with extensive experience in emergency and critical care nursing, delved into the different types of wounds, their classification, and the physiology of wound healing. The webinar aimed to equip vets and vet nurses with the confidence to make informed choices about wound care management.
Chloe emphasized the importance of stabilizing the patient before treating open wounds. This involves controlling bleeding and covering wounds with sterile dressings as the first step. However, it is vital to assess the patient as a whole and prioritize the treatment of life-threatening injuries before managing wounds. Chloe also highlighted the need for appropriate analgesia and sedation for patients in pain.
The three phases of wound healing were discussed in the webinar. These include the inflammatory phase, proliferative phase, and matrix remodelling phase. The inflammatory phase involves minimizing blood loss from the injured area, while the proliferative phase involves the granulation, contraction, and epithelialization of the injured tissues. The remodelling phase is characterized by new collagen formation and scar formation.
Chloe went on to explain the physiology of wound closure, duration, and the factors that may impede healing. Wounds can be classified based on contamination, with class 1 wounds being the cleanest and class 3 wounds being the most contaminated. The type of wound and level of contamination influence the time it takes to heal.
The webinar also covered different types of wounds, such as lacerations, puncture wounds, thermal burns, abrasions, and avulsions. Chloe used pictures and cases to explain each type in detail, such as the below image, displaying the steps that should be used for treating wounds:
Chloe outlined the steps involved in wound treatment, including cleaning, debridement, closure, and aftercare. The four ways in which wounds can heal were also explained: first intention, second intention, secondary closure, and third intention. The choice of wound closure technique depends on factors such as the vascularisation and level of contamination.
Lastly, Chloe discussed debridement techniques, which include surgical, mechanical, enzymatic, and autolytic debridement. Surgical debridement involves sharp excision of necrotic tissue, while mechanical debridement involves the use of wet-to-dry dressings.
Overall, Chloe’s webinar provided valuable insights into wound care management, equipping vets and vet nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective wound care.
