Overview:
Wounds are considered as the most common injuries that people can be exposed to, but open wounds can be dealt with by taking the correct first aid, as this contributes to reducing the occurrence of complications (such as: the occurrence of infection) and helps the wound heal properly.
First aid for wounds:
- Wash hands thoroughly with clean water and soap before dealing with the wound, and avoid touching it with fingers if possible, and it is recommended to use disposable rubber gloves.
- Remove jewelry from the affected part of the body.
- Direct pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding, and avoid tying around the wound site; This can lead to tissue damage.
- Clean the wound after the bleeding stops, using saline solution if possible, and if it is not available, bottled drinking water can be used.
- Examine the wound and remove any contamination or foreign body inside.
- Gently clean around the wound using clean, soapy water.
- Cover the wound with a clean, sterile bandage, but if the wound was contaminated or was due to a bite (such as a dog bite) or was due to a contaminated needle, it must be left open.
- Take painkillers and change the bandage every 24 hours.
When to go to the doctor:
- If there is a foreign body inside the wound (such as: wood, metal, or something else).
- If the wound is caused by an animal bite or by a contaminated syringe.
- If an infection occurs in the wound and the symptoms are severe pain, swelling and redness of the wound, pus coming out of it, or a high body temperature.
- If there are signs of infection spreading in the blood (e.g. shortness of breath, high heart rate, high body temperature, shivering, sweating or severe pain).