What to do if a resident sustains a deep injury on their heel?

If a resident in a care facility has sustained a deep injury on their heel, the care provider needs to take immediate and appropriate action to address the situation. Here are the steps a care provider can typically follow:

1. Assessment and Stabilization:

– Assess the extent of the injury. Determine the depth, size, and severity of the wound.
– If there is active bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile dressing to control bleeding.

2. Gentle Cleaning:

– Clean the wound gently with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing, as it may worsen the injury.
– Use a sterile saline solution for cleaning if available.

3. Dress the Wound:

– Apply an appropriate dressing to the wound. This might include a sterile non-stick dressing or a dressing designed for wound management.
– Ensure that the dressing is secure but not too tight to avoid compromising blood circulation.

4. Elevate the Leg:

– If possible and appropriate, elevate the resident’s leg to reduce swelling and promote better blood circulation.

5. Pain Management:

– Administer pain relief as per the care plan and facility protocols. This may involve providing over-the-counter pain medications or following the prescribed medication plan.

6. Medical Attention:

– Notify the healthcare provider, and follow the facility’s protocols for reporting injuries and seeking medical attention.
– Depending on the severity of the injury, the resident may need to be transported to a hospital or seen by a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

7. Prevent Infection:

– Emphasize infection prevention measures. Ensure that the wound is kept clean, and the resident’s immunizations are up-to-date.
– Follow any prescribed antibiotic regimen if infection is a concern.

8. Documentation:

– Document the incident, the actions taken, and any observations. This documentation is crucial for both the resident’s ongoing care and potential regulatory compliance.

9. Prevent Further Injury:

– Implement measures to prevent further injury, especially if the injury was due to a specific incident or condition within the care facility. This may involve reviewing and adjusting the care plan.

10. Communication:

– Communicate with the resident and their family about the injury, the care provided, and the plan for ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Care providers need to adhere to their facility’s policies and procedures when managing injuries. In many cases, consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial to ensure the best possible care and outcome for the resident.

In the event of a significant injury, make sure to undertake the following steps not only to address the issue but also to showcase to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Safeguarding Team that there is no neglect:

1. Craft a thorough body map to document the situation comprehensively.
2. Enlighten ambulance personnel about the existence of the blister or injury.
3. Ensure the deployment of pressure-relieving equipment to enhance care.
4. Keep a consistent repositioning chart to monitor and manage the healing process effectively.
5. Engage the expertise of the district nurse (DN) to actively participate in the care process, adding a layer of specialized support.

Important Reminder: In cases of significant injuries to residents, it is crucial to complete safeguarding and CQC notifications. Occasionally, the evidence submitted to protect the resident may not be adequately clarified. This underscores the importance of authorities initiating a Section 42 enquiry, which is divided into two parts: Section 42(1) and Section 42(2). Ensure meticulous scrutiny of all documents sent to the authorities for a comprehensive review.