Soft Tissue Infections

1
Soft Tissue Infections

• Lawrence L. Lambert
• Off Shore Paramedic
• Acadian Integrated Services

2
Staphylococcus Aureus

• Commonly called staph
• Bacteria commonly found on human skin
• Commonly found
• Inside the nose
• Armpit
• Groin
• Genital Areas

3
MRSAMethicillin-resistant S. Aureus

• Symptoms
• Reddness
• Warmth
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Boils or blisters
• Often mistaken for spider bites
• Fever and chills

4
How is MRSA Spread?

• Close contact with infected persons
• Staph can come off skin during skin to to skin
  contact
• Staph can come off the skin onto shared objects
  and surfaces and can get into the skin of another
  person who uses that object or surface
• Through the drainage and pus which is very
  infectious

5
Who is at risk for MRSA Infections?

• Those with recurrent skin diseases or open wounds
• Long term illness
• Been a patient at a hospital or other health care
  facility within the past year

6
Who is at risk for MRSA Infections?

• Contact with persons with MRSA infections
• Recent Antibiotic use
• Live in crowded settings

7
MRSA is diagnosed through a culture being taken
and sent to the laboratory
8
How is MRSA treated?

• Proper wound and skin care using antibiotics
• Incision and drainage (ID)
• More serious infections may require IV antibiotic
  treatments

9
How can I protect myself from becoming infected
with staph

• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with
  soap and water
• Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a
  clean bandage until healed

10
How can I protect myself from becoming infected
with staph

• Avoid contact with other employee wounds
• Clean objects and surfaces that are shared with
  other employees before you use them

11
If I have MRSA or staph how can I keep from
spreading it?

• Keep infections covered with clean, dry bandages
• Wash hands after touching exposed skin and
  bandages
• Do not share personal items
• Keep your clothes clean
• Avoid skin to skin contact with others

12
What should I do if I think I have a staph
infection?

• Consult your medic immediately
• Early treatment can help prevent the infection
  from getting worse
• Control the spread!!!