Soft Tissue Injuries

In this episode of EMTprep Pulse Check, we focus on the recognition, assessment, and management of soft tissue injuries in the prehospital setting. These injuries are among the most common seen in EMS and range from minor abrasions to life-threatening hemorrhages. This session helps listeners build a strong foundation in wound classification, bleeding control techniques, and the principles of wound care.

Listeners will learn to distinguish between abrasions, lacerations, avulsions, and penetrating injuries, and apply appropriate treatments based on the mechanism and severity of the injury. The episode also reinforces high-stakes decision-making, such as when to apply a tourniquet, how to manage impaled objects, and what to do when bleeding is uncontrolled. Practical case examples help bridge textbook knowledge to field performance.

What You’ll Learn:

• Types of soft tissue injuries and their EMS presentation

• Bleeding control methods, including direct pressure, dressings, and tourniquets

• How to manage impaled objects and prevent contamination

• The role of soft tissue management in trauma protocols and triage

Key Takeaways:

• Proper assessment and bleeding control can prevent rapid patient deterioration

• Knowing when to escalate from basic measures to tourniquet use is essential

• Soft tissue injuries often signal deeper underlying trauma, requiring full evaluation