What does a closed soft tissue injury indicate?

A closed soft tissue injury indicates pooling of blood under the skin. This type of injury occurs when there is damage to the soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, or ligaments, without breaking the skin. The injury can lead to bruising and swelling, as blood vessels are damaged, causing blood to escape into the surrounding tissues and collect underneath the skin.

This internal bleeding is a key indicator of the presence of a closed soft tissue injury, and recognizing this can help first responders assess the severity of the situation and implement appropriate first aid measures. Understanding that no external bleeding is present helps distinguish this type of injury from open wounds, where the skin is broken and bleeding can be observed outside the body.