Dressing technique for large wounds, particularly burns. Part III.

Large wounds are both liable to self-infection and cross-infection, but by virtue of the large area exposed are particularly vulnerable to airbourne infection. This part of the film demonstrates a unit at the Birmingham Accident Hospital designed specially to overcome airbourne infection. Shots of models and the actual layout show how the unit is ventilated and air treated before entering the unit. The efficacy of the air treatment and other precautions is demonstrated by means of the slit sampler, by which it is possible to estimate the bacterial purity or otherwise of the air. Air samples taken in the unit are compared with those taken in other parts of the hospital. The film then demonstrates the technique of a dressing, beginning with the preparation of the dressing room and the team to receive the patient in the ward. The preparation of the patient in the ward and his transfer to the dressing room is followed. The functions of each member of the team and the handling of the patient are clearly demonstrated. The taking of a swab for a bacteriological examination and the dressing of a leg burn by a strict no-touch technique, the application of a penicillin cream and the final covering and bandaging of the wound are shown. This part concludes with examples of the results with patients with varying severity of burns.