STG global TANVAC HDV3000, Operator'S Manual

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5
3. HIGH PRESSURE WATER SAFETY
WARNING
An injury caused by high pressure water jets can be serious. In the event of any
water jet injury:
•
Seek medical attention immediately. Do not delay!
•
Inform the doctor of the cause of the injury.
•
Tell the physician what type of waterjet project was being performed at the time
of the accident and the source of the water.
A.
Medical Alert
This patient may be suffering from a water jet injury. Evaluation and management
should parallel that of a gunshot injury. The external manifestations of the injury
cannot be used to predict the extent of internal damage. Initial management should
include stabilisation and a thorough neurovascular examination. X-rays can be used
to assess subcutaneous air and foreign bodies distant from the site of injury.
Injuries to the extremities can involve extensive nerve, muscle, vessel damage, as
well as cause a distal compartment syndrome. Injuries to the torso can involve
internal organ damage. Surgical consultation should be obtained. Aggressive
irrigation and debridement is recommended. Surgical decompression and exploration
may also be necessary.
Angiographic studies are recommended pre-operatively if arterial injury is suspected.
Bandages with a hygroscopic solution (MgSO
4
) and hyperbaric oxygen treatment
have been used as adjunctive therapy to decrease pain, edema and subcutaneous
emphysema. Unusual infections with uncommon organisms in immunocompetent
patients have been seen; the source of the water is important in deciding on initial,
empiric antibiotic treatment, and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic treatment,
and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics should be administered. Cultures should
be obtained.