Wound Care
Table of Contents
Priorities
Control bleeding, reduce contamination and arrange medical care when the wound is deep, dirty, gaping, caused by a bite or associated with major injury.
Cleaning and Dressing
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Put on gloves if available |
| 2 | Apply pressure if bleeding |
| 3 | Rinse minor wounds with clean water or saline |
| 4 | Cover with a sterile dressing |
| 5 | Monitor for bleeding, pain or infection risk |
Do not use harsh chemicals in the wound. Keep the dressing clean and dry until reviewed or changed.
Embedded Objects
Do not remove an embedded object. Stabilise it with bulky dressings and apply pressure around the object to control bleeding.
Amputated Parts
Wrap the part in clean, moist dressing or cloth, place it in a sealed bag, and keep it cool. Do not place it directly on ice or in water.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek medical advice for wounds that are deep, contaminated, caused by an animal or human bite, involve the face, hands or genitals, or may need tetanus review.