I agree Matt; Mike's comments about the supposed benefits of strips being to
"start the healing process at an early stage" are not really applicable, as
we generally will remove the strips to re-examine the wound in the ED.
AF
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dunn Matthew Dr. (RJC) ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY - SwarkHosp-TR"
<[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2003 11:14 AM
Subject: Re: Steri-Strips
> > I used saline to clean the wound, inspected for underlying
> > tissue damage and
> > solid debris and then applied the strips. A dressing was
> > placed over the top
> > and then the patient was taken to A&E. The benefit of the
> > adhesive strips is
> > to start the healing process at an early stage.
> > Just so you know where I am coming from. I never considered treat and
> > release when I posted this.
>
>
> Can you clarify what patients you are dealing with- are you really talking
> about patients with minor lacerations who call 999 ambulances, or are you
> talking about patients from RTAs with several injuries of which one is a
> minor laceration? If the latter, don't delay transfer to apply dressings;
if
> the former, empower your paramedics not to transport. (Although treat and
> release has its own problems- if we persuade the public that the best
> response to a 'minor injury' is to call for an ambulance rather than
making
> their way to the ED...)
> If it is simple 'minors' and failing a see and release policy, I'd say you
> shouldn't use steris. It is impossible to examine a wound fully without
> removal of the steristrips. If the wound does not require full
examination,
> the patient should not be brought to A and E; if it does then application
of
> the strips involves increased wound handling (and thus tissue damage and
> risk of infection) as well as taking up your time (assuming they are not
> applied in the back of a moving ambulance) and being costly. As a general
> rule, if your examination of the patient is not going to influence
> management, then don't examine the patient. I appreciate your comments
about
> the wound drying out- maybe we should consider saline soaks to cover all
> wounds.
>
> Matt Dunn
>
>
> This email has been scanned for viruses by NAI AVD however we are unable
to
> accept responsibility for any damage caused by the contents.
> The opinions expressed in this email represent the views of the sender,
not
> South Warwickshire General Hospitals NHS Trust unless explicitly stated.
> If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender.
>
|