procedures

Our medical team has over 30 years combined of emergency medicine experience. If a procedure is required, we simply ask that you pull aside and come into our exam room.  We can provide the following common procedures on site.  

 If you have a tear or cut in your skin or tissue, you may need laceration repair, which includes cleaning, preparing and closing the wound. 

At SmartMED, we provide simple, complex and Dermabond laceration repair.

If your cut looks shallow, small, clean and isn't bleeding, you may not need medical care. Antibiotic ointment and a bandage will be enough. 

Wounds that may need medical repair have:

• Dirt and debris in the wound, even after cleaning
• Feeling as if something is in the wound
• Bleeding continues after applying direct pressure for 10-15 minutes
• Jagged or uneven edges
• Depth more than 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep
• Location on area of high stress (joints, hands, feet, chest)

 What is stitch and staple removal?

If you've had surgery or an injury that requires stitches or staples, you were probably asked to return to the doctor or health provider to have them removed. Removing staples and stitches is essential for proper wound healing and infection control.

When should stitch and staple removal be done?

The time when staples or stitches need to be removed is based on how fast skin on certain areas of the body heals and how serious the wound is. As a general rule, stitches and staples are removed as soon as possible after a wound heals.

Optimal staple and stitch removal times:

• Face: 3 to 5 days
• Scalp: 7 days
• Chest: 8 to 10 days
• Arms and legs: 10 to 14 days
• Back: 10 to 14 days
• High tension (joints, hands and so on): 10 to 14 days

 What are cuts, blisters and wounds?

Cuts, blisters, and small wounds happen frequently. Despite being referred to as minor injuries, they need to be taken seriously. Depending on the origin of the injury, it may become infected or possibly contract a fatal disease like tetanus. To ensure that the injury heals and reduce the chance of any long-term issues, it may be necessary to properly clean the wounded region and use specific medications to avoid infection.

 Why should splinters be removed?

Splinter injuries are common, but that does not mean that splinters are easy to remove. Large, deep splinters can be difficult to get out and may break apart in or under your skin. If you do not have the right tools, you may also cause more injury or an infection when trying to remove a splinter.

 What is a sunburn?

A sunburn is a type of burn that can happens when the body is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation or artificial sources such as tanning beds. The UV rays can cause injury to skin cells, resulting in a burn. Sunburns can be painful and occur during any season. UV rays can also pass through several skin layers and create spots, form wrinkles and harm your eyes.

What symptoms can occur with a sunburn?

Sunburns will range in severity from mild redness to painful blisters and swelling. Other symptoms consist of:

• Dizziness or confusion
• Feeling weak and fatigued
• Fever
• Headache
• Hot, tingly or stinging sensations on the skin surface
• Nausea, or feeling sick to your stomach
• Pain and sensitivity when you move or touch the affected area
• Sensations of cold and chills
• Skin that is red on areas such as the face, lips, shoulders, thighs, neck and back
• Swollen skin in the affected areas
• Thirst and dehydration

In severe cases, blisters might form on your skin. This indicates a second-degree burn, and an infection can occur as a result. Some signs of an infection include swelling, red streaks or the appearance of pus.