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Intro:
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Once you've stopped the bleeding and have the vaccination information (or you've called the authorities), wash the wound with mild soap and water for three to five minutes. If you're helping someone with a bite wound, wash your hands first and put on latex gloves to protect them (this is very important--you don't want to contract any diseases the victim may have contracted through the dog or elsewhere). If you don't have gloves handy, use an alternative such as a clean plastic bag or wrapper. Be sure to wash your hands after treating the wound as well.
While washing the wound, keep clean water running over it to flush it as much as possible. You may have to remove bits of dirt or other foreign matter. If the dirt or matter is buried too deeply, a physician will need to numb the area and clean it out. After washing for several minutes, pat the wound dry with a clean cloth and apply antibiotic ointment. Cover the wound with a clean bandage. If there appears to be any bruising developing, you might want to ice the bruised spot for 15 minutes or so. To do this, wrap ice cubes or a cold pack in a towel and apply it to the bruised area. Never apply the ice directly--it's too cold for direct contact with the skin for that long a period. |
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Wash the wound
