PULSE is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Central Peninsula Hospital, 250 Hospital Place, Soldotna, AK 99669, phone 907-714-4404, website www.cpgh.org. CEO: Shaun Keef External Affairs Director: Bruce Richards Information in PULSE comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please call 907-714-4600 or email marketing@cpgh.org. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Central Peninsula Hospital and its clinics (collectively “CPH”) comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Translation and other services are available to you, free of charge, by calling this number: 907-714-4404. Wound care basics It’s summer in Alaska—a season for hiking, fishing, backyard barbecues and making the most of long days and warm weather. But with all that activity, accidents can happen. From scraped knees on gravel trails to kitchen cuts while prepping the catch of the day, minor wounds are part of an active life. The good news? Experts say you can manage many cuts, scrapes and burns with these tips: Stop the bleeding. With clean hands, apply gentle pressure to the wound for several minutes using a clean cloth. If you can, lift the wound higher than your heart. Clean the wound. Use mild soap and running water to remove any dirt or other debris and to keep germs out. Prevent infection. If you have an antibiotic ointment at home, put a small amount on the wound. Cover the wound with a clean, sterile bandage. Change the bandage daily, and keep the area dry when you shower or bathe. Cool a burn. If the wound is a burn, hold it under cool, running water right away. Gently dry the skin, and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly. Cover the burn with a clean bandage, and change this dressing daily. When to seek help for a wound Seek medical care right away if you have any of the following: ● Infected wounds. Check the wound often for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, warmth, swelling or oozing. ● Bleeding that won’t stop— even after several minutes of applying pressure. ● Severe burns— such as large burns from boiling water. ● Large or deep wounds. Wide, jagged or deep cuts Here when you need us Our urgent care clinic team can treat minor injuries and illnesses, and the clinic is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Our emergency department is ready 24/7 when you have serious or life-threatening concerns. Call 911 if you have an emergency. To learn more about urgent care options, visit www.kenaiurgentcare.com or call 907-714-5740. may need stitches. Puncture wounds may require a tetanus booster shot. ● Bite wounds— from an animal or a person. These wounds can introduce germs deep under the skin, where they’re more likely to cause an infection. ● Nonhealing wounds. Minor wounds typically heal after about a week. 10128 Kenai Spur Highway, Kenai PULSE Summer 2025 7
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