DEARBORN, Mich. – Each week for our What’s Going Around report, we talk to local doctors about the illnesses and issues they’re seeing in their emergency rooms.
One of our regular contributors is Dr. Zafar Shamoon, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Corewell Health Dearborn. He told us he’s seeing people with initially minor cuts ending up in the ER needing serious care.
“This is a time of year where we see a lot of people getting cuts and abrasions, and unfortunately, we see a lot of those cuts and abrasions turn to infections, sometimes actually needing admission,” said Shamoon.
The cause is always the same.
“Initially wasn’t properly cleaned or dressed, and what we really want to do is try to prevent them coming to the ER, by doing the first aid immediately,” explained Shamoon.
Shamoon stressed that even small cuts should be gently washed with soap and water right away.
“I think the misconception is that a small cut doesn’t turn into a serious infection. Well, that’s not true. It does, and that’s why any type of cut needs immediate attention, and soap and water is the best thing to do immediately,” said Shamoon.
Shamoon recommends buying a basic first aid kit and taking it along on your summer outings.
“I think a lack of having the proper tools and medicine at that time is really the reason why we see some of these infections. So getting a first aid kit to start your vacation, I think, is very helpful,” said Shamoon. “Antibiotic ointment is very beneficial, and then put the dressing on it. You also want to keep the wound from getting too wet. You want to keep it clean and dry as much as possible.”
It’s also important to learn which types of injuries need to be seen by a doctor as quickly as possible.
“The type of things that we really are worried about are the deep cuts, the ones that need probably suturing. The earlier you get in, the more likely it’s less likely to have an infection. So get in right away if you think it needs sutures. Any animal bites of any kind need to come in. Obviously, anything that looks like it’s protruding out like a bone, or if you get something stuck in your skin, don’t pull it out. Those are reasons to come to the emergency department sooner than later, because we can prevent infections, treat appropriately, and at times, start antibiotics if needed,” said Shamoon.
Shamoon said learning first aid skills can be truly lifesaving.
“Having that first aid knowledge is very beneficial. We’ve seen people come in that have been saved by bystanders because they had that first aid knowledge,” said Shamoon. “Choking is a very common one. Heimlich saves lives. EpiPen, how to put it properly, saves lives. You know, preventing infection saves longer, long-term infections. Those are very important things that I think are very beneficial for a person to have, so it’s great that it’s being offered. I would highly encourage everybody in the area to go to that.”
Local 4, in partnership with the Red Cross, is offering a free first aid class on July 15th as our July Go 4 It event. Click here to sign up or learn more details.