WWW.THOROUGHCLEAN.COM.AU
5.4 IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION
- MEDIC ALERT WARNING CARD
IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATIO N
READ THIS INFORMATION AND KEEP IT IN A
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
stabilization 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
(MgSO4) and hyperbaric oxygen treatment have been used as adjunctive therapy to
decrease pain, edema and subcutaneous emphysema. Unusual infections with
uncommon organisms in immunocompromised patients have been seen; the source of
the water is important in deciding on initial, empiric antibiotic treatment and broad-
spectrum intravenous antibiotics should be administered. Cultures should be obtained.
WARNING!!!
An injury caused by high pressure waterjets can be serious.
In the event of any waterjet injury:
