Treatment of Power Washer Injuries
Power washer injuries require immediate irrigation with clean water, thorough wound cleaning, appropriate dressing, and prompt medical evaluation due to their high risk of deep tissue damage and infection. 1, 2
Initial Assessment and First Aid
Immediate Actions
- Stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure with clean gauze or cloth
- Irrigate the wound thoroughly with clean running water (15-25°C) for at least 10 minutes 1, 2
- Do not use ice directly on the injury as it can cause tissue ischemia 1
- Remove any visible debris or foreign material from the wound 1
Important Considerations
- Power washer injuries often cause more extensive damage than is initially apparent
- High-pressure injection can force water, chemicals, or debris deep into tissues
- These injuries should be treated as deep traumatic wounds with high infection risk
Medical Evaluation
All power washer injuries should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider due to the risk of deep tissue damage and infection. 2
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Any high-pressure injection injury
- Deep wounds with potential for muscle, tendon, nerve, or vascular damage
- Wounds containing foreign material that cannot be completely removed
- Wounds on face, hands, feet, or genitalia
- Signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, or fever)
Wound Management
Cleaning and Debridement
- Thoroughly irrigate with large volumes of clean water or saline 1, 3
- High-pressure irrigation in a medical setting may be necessary to remove embedded debris
- Surgical debridement is often required for high-pressure injection injuries 1
Dressing and Wound Care
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if no known allergies 1, 2
- Cover with a sterile, non-adherent dressing 2
- Leave blisters intact as this improves healing and reduces pain 1, 2
- Change dressings regularly and monitor for signs of infection
Special Considerations
Infection Prevention
- Power washer injuries have a high risk of infection due to deep tissue contamination
- Prophylactic antibiotics may be necessary, especially for high-risk wounds 4
- Regular wound evaluation is essential to detect early signs of infection 2
Damage Control Surgery
- For severe injuries with deep hemorrhagic shock or signs of ongoing bleeding, damage control surgery may be necessary 1
- This approach is particularly important for injuries with inaccessible anatomic damage or concomitant major injuries
Pain Management
- Provide appropriate pain management with acetaminophen as first-line treatment 2
- NSAIDs can be added for inflammatory pain as second-line treatment 2
- For severe pain, stronger analgesics may be required under medical supervision
Follow-up Care
- Regular wound assessment for signs of healing or complications
- Monitor for signs of compartment syndrome in extremity injuries (pain, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness, paralysis) 2
- Physical therapy may be needed for injuries affecting joints or functional areas
Prevention
- Always wear appropriate protective equipment when operating power washers
- Never point power washers at yourself or others
- Be aware that even seemingly minor power washer injuries can cause serious damage
Power washer injuries should never be underestimated as they can cause significant tissue damage beyond what is visible on the surface. Prompt and thorough irrigation, appropriate wound care, and medical evaluation are essential to prevent serious complications.