Aspirus Medford launches comprehensive wound care program

Often when people get a cut or a scrape, they don’t think too much about it. Proper care can ensure most wounds, such as minor cuts and scrapes, heal within a few days and can be handled at home. However, more serious wounds may require a trip to your primary care physician who will refer you to a wound care program.

Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinic has launched a new expanded Wound Care program to provide direct local access to appropriate wound care and treatment which are important to avoid serious complications. A wound can turn into serious infections such as cellulitis or sepsis without proper care.

Wounds are injuries that break the skin or other body tissue and often happen because of an accident such as a burns and skin injuries from falls or the result of surgery, and stitches. Wounds/skin breakdown can also occur due to the bodies inability to return blood and fluid from the lower legs.

“Skin is a protective barrier against bacteria and other foreign invaders. While it is open, bacteria can enter and multiply, causing an infection,” said Haley Erl, APNP, Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinic.

When it comes to serious wounds, the CDC recommends a person seek medical attention as soon as possible if: • There is a foreign object (soil, wood, metal, or other objects) embedded in the wound. • A wound is a result of an animal bite. • A wound is a result of a puncture by a dirty object.

•The wound is infected (pain and soreness, swelling, redness, drainage, or you develop a fever).

•You have signs of sepsis such as confusion or disorientation; shortness of breath, high heart rate, fever or shivering; extreme pain or discomfort, or clammy or sweaty skin. “Wound care involves every stage of wound management,” adds Erl. “This includes identifying the wound type, considering factors that affect wound healing, and the proper treatments for wound management. Once the wound type is identified and all factors are considered, we can determine the best treatment options.”

Aspirus offers specialized wound care services that can promote healing and prevent infection and re-occurrence. Depending on the type of wound and where it is located, different treatments or techniques may be used to help the body heal such as plans for lifetime compression therapy, complete wound assessment, and education.

Erl is a Medford native who has worked at Aspirus Medford since 2005. She works closely with her patients to provide them with the best information possible so they can be actively involved in their plan of care. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Aspirus Medford offers Wound Care services from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday- Friday.