This type of friction injury happens when a firefighter or responder takes a hard fall on pavement or a rocky trail. The rough surface grinds away the top layers of skin, embedding dirt and small stones into the wound. It requires thorough cleaning and scrubbing to prevent infection, which is often more painful than the initial fall.
Heard on the job
Wash that gravel rash out with saline before it gets infected and ruins your whole shift.
Insider tip
The embedded dirt in these abrasions can cause permanent tattooing if not scrubbed out completely during initial first aid.
Also heard as
- road rash