Initial Care Provided:

- Wash hands and put on gloves

- Rinse the wound gently with clean water to remove dirt

- Clean around the wound with soap

- Pat dry with a sterile cloth

Post Care needed:

-Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage

-Change the dressing and check for infection daily

-Most minor abrasions heal without special referral, but see a doctor if you notice signs of infection or if wound is large/deep

Initial Care Provided:

-Put on gloves

-Apply gentle pressure with a sterile cloth/gauze to stop bleeding

-Clean the wound with clean water to flush debris

-If possible, gently close the edges with sterile strips

Post Care Needed:

-Cover with a sterile bandage

-Change bandage and watch for signs of infection

-Some lacerations need stitches/sutures—refer to a doctor if the wound is deep, gaping, or bleeding won’t stop

Initial Care Provided:

-Wear gloves

-Let some bleeding occur if minor, to help flush out debris

-Gently clean around the wound with soap and water (don’t scrub the inside of wound)

-Do not remove deeply embedded objects, seek medical help

Post Care Needed:

-Apply a sterile bandage

-Watch for signs of infection, puncture wounds have a higher risk

Seek medical attention if: wound is from animal/human bite, rusty object, or deep/large. Tetanus shot may be needed

-Cover with a moist, sterile dressing

Initial Care Provided:

-Put on gloves

-Control bleeding by applying pressure with a sterile cloth/gauze

-Rinse the wound with saline or clean water (don’t scrub)

-If possible, save any detached tissue in a clean, moist cloth (seek immediate medical help)

Post Care Needed:

-Cover with a moist, sterile dressing

-Seek immediate medical care for sutures or advanced closure

-May require stitches, surgical closure, or even reconstructive surgery

Initial Care Provided:

-Apply a cold pack or ice (wrapped in cloth) to the area for 10-20 minutes to reduce swelling

Post Care Needed:

-Rest and elevate the injured area if possible

-Monitor for increased pain, swelling, or limited movement

-Seek medical attention if the bruise is unusually large, does not improve, or you suspect internal injuries/fractures

-Wear disposable gloves to prevent infection and protect yourself

-Dispose of used gauze, bandages, and gloves in a proper trash bag

-Clean reusable instruments with disinfectant

• Increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound

• Pus or cloudy drainage

• Increasing pain or tenderness

• Fever or feeling unwell

• A foul odor coming from the wound