Clinical Indications:
- Protection and care for open wounds prior to and during transport.
Procedure:
- Use personal protective equipment, including gloves, gown, and mask as indicated.
- If active bleeding, elevate the affected area if possible and hold direct pressure. Do not rely on “compression” bandage to control bleeding. Direct pressure is much more effective.
- Once bleeding is controlled, irrigate contaminated wounds with saline as appropriate (this may have to be avoided if bleeding was difficult to control). Consider analgesia per protocol prior to irrigation.
- Cover wounds with sterile gauze/dressings. Check distal pulses, sensation, and motor function to ensure the bandage is not too tight.
- Monitor wounds and/or dressings throughout transport for bleeding.
- Document the wound and assessment and care in the patient care report (PCR).