Main Points

1. Deep wounds should not be packed open, and not closed in the field
2. If water is drinkable, it can be used for wound cleaning
3. Do not use antiseptic solutions for wound cleaning

Principles of Wound Care

1. Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned with high pressure clean potable water or saline solution. Do not use antiseptic solutions or alcohol for wounds cleaning.
2. Wounds should be protected from contamination.
3. Wounds should be prevented from drying out. Scabs are a sign of poor wound healing.
4. Wounds that require sutures should be packed open with clean moist gauze until suturing can be done.
5. If suturing a deep wound is not possible, the wound should remain packed, with the packing changed daily to allow the wound to heal from the tissue to the skin, to prevent abyss.
6. Wound dressing should be changed daily at a minimum
7. Tetanus should be considered in deeply contaminated wounds.
8. Antibiotics should be considered in environments where poor healing is likely such as marine and tropical regions