Whether you’ve injured yourself or someone has come to you with a cut, it’s crucial to know what to do. You need to establish quickly if it can be treated immediately on the spot or requires a trip to the emergency room.
Accidental injury accounts for almost half of all American deaths, even though most adults know basic first aid and are confident in their skills. It’s never a bad idea to refresh your knowledge on how to treat an open wound, as you never know when something might happen.
Regardless if this isn’t your first rodeo with first aid and wounds or if it’s all new to you, keep reading to learn what to do with an open wound.
Initial Assessment
After washing your hands, you’ll need to assess the wound. Almost immediately, you should be able to visually see if the open wound is something you’re able to treat or if calling 911 is required. If the wound has a foreign object protruding from it, do not remove it, as this can cause nerve and tissue damage.
Clean the Area
If you’re already aware of how to use a first aid kit, you’ll know what items are required to begin the cleaning process. Remove any dirt or grit you’re able to see to help prevent the spread of infection. Tap water is perfectly fine to rinse the wound out with if you don’t have any sterile saline to hand.
After rinsing, pat the area dry using a clean towel or tissue. Refrain from using fibrous items as they can easily become stuck to the wound.
Apply Antibiotics
Let’s look at how to disinfect a wound. Once the area is clean and free from debris, apply a form of gel or ointment to the open wound if necessary. This aids in the healing process and helps eliminate any possible bacteria remaining in the cut.
Be aware if you’re treating someone and not yourself; check they don’t have any allergies to any ointments or creams you intend to use.
Dress the Wound
Usually, with minor wounds, keeping the area open to fresh air helps to heal. If not, apply a sterile bandage or gauze large enough to comfortably cover the entire area.
Wounds should be assessed regularly, and the dressing changed accordingly. More so if the bandage gets wet.
Depending on where the wound is, moving around can often reopen the area and prolong the healing process. To prevent this, you’ll need a split. Take a look at the sam splint guide to see how to use a portable splint when out and about.
Think You Know How to Treat an Open Wound?
Now you’ve learned the basics of how to treat an open wound; you’ll be able to implement the correct steps for the best care.
It’s easy to make mistakes, so always make sure you’re up to date. Why not extend your knowledge further and look into CPR, accidents can happen at any time.
For more related articles, check out our other blog posts.