Clinical Indications:

 

• Protection and care for open wounds prior to and during transport.

 

Procedure:

 

1. Use personal protective equipment, including gloves, gown, and mask as indicated.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Cover wounds with sterile gauze/dressings. Check distal pulses, sensation, and motor function to ensure the bandage is not too tight.
5. Monitor wounds and/or dressings throughout transport for bleeding.
6. Document the wound and assessment and care in the patient care report (PCR).