Blunt trauma in a car wreck can result in a deep cut or severe laceration. A laceration involves a tearing of body tissues, and may even occur in a fracture when the bone pierces the skin. In very severe cases, an accident victim might experience an aortic laceration or dissection.
Aortic Dissection
One of the most severe lacerations to occur in a car wreck is an aortic dissection. This is a life-threatening injury. It is a separation of the aorta walls and requires immediate professional medical attention.
If in a car wreck in which a possible aortic dissection occurs, MedlinePlus (health information on the web from the National Library of Medicine) and other wound care professionals advise:
- Call 911 immediately. If you suspect you suffer an aortic dissection, ask someone to call 911 so you can remain still.
- Performing CPR may be necessary if the person loses consciousness, but ask 911 to advise.
- Keep movement to an absolute minimum and remain calm.
- Do not administer aspirin to lessen the pain. This can be fatal. The symptoms of an aortic dissection are painful and some survivors say they suspected they were having a heart attack. The intense pain often affects between the shoulders on the back and then spreading to the arms and neck.
The survival rate for this type of laceration is less than half, according to MedlinePlus. For those who do survive, follow up care includes high blood pressure monitoring and CT scans to check for ruptures.
Treating Other Lacerations on the Scene
Other lacerations can be severe as well, as they can lead to serious bleeding. On the scene of a car wreck involving severe lacerations, MedlinePlus and other wound care professionals advise:
- Call 911 or ask someone to call for you.
- Avoid breathing on an open wound.
- Apply direct pressure with something clean (if possible) to stop heavy bleeding. Don’t try to clean the wound if the bleeding stops. Wait for the EMTs to do so.
- Do not remove anything stuck in the laceration.
- Do not push body parts back in. Use clean material to cover the parts.
- Never assume a laceration is minor because there’s little or no bleeding. You won’t be able to tell without medical assistance. Furthermore, all wounds need to be properly cleaned and might need an antibiotic or other medication.
Legal Help if Injuries Caused by Another Driver
Of course, medical treatment – emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, follow-up care – can be extensive after a severe laceration, whether an aortic dissection or other deep cut. If you were in an accident that another driver caused, you can recover these and other damages via an insurance claim or lawsuit.
If you’ve suffered a severe laceration in a car wreck in Indiana caused by a negligent driver, both immediate and follow-up care can be emotionally and financially devastating. Call Hensley Legal Group to set up your free consultation and get started on your claim today.