How to Dress a Gash Wound

Most wounds and gashes do not require professional medical treatment and are easily taken care of at home. All gashes should be monitored closely to prevent infection from setting in and to keep the body healthy. It is important to know which gashes are treatable at home and which ones are not. If in doubt about any wound, always seek professional medical attention.

Things You'll Need

• Antibiotic ointment
• Clean cloth
• Soap
• Tourniquet
• Various sized bandages
• Warm water

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Instructions

Treating a Gash Wound

• 1

  Apply direct pressure onto the bleeding area for at least 20 to 30 minutes by firmly pressing your hand and a clean cloth onto the wound. Do not remove the cloth until after 20 minutes. This will prevent any clots that have formed on the area from dislodging and keep the wound from bleeding again. If the gash has not stopped bleeding after this length of time, if the blood flow stays heavy or begins to spurt, contact a physician immediately.

• 2

  Elevate the wounded area above the level of your heart, if it is possible. This will help slow the flow of blood to the area that has been wounded.

• 3

  Apply a tourniquet only if the wound is severe. Tourniquets completely shut of the blood flow to a particular section of the body, and can cause oxygen deprivation to the area. Tourniquets are generally reserved for gashes, or wounds that have been incurred during combat. Keep this in mind before using a tourniquet. If a wound is severe enough that a tourniquet is necessary, contact emergency help immediately.

• 4

  Clean the gash with warm running water. Remove any debris from the gash so the area is completely clean. Wash the area around the gash with soap, but do not get soap into the wound. This can cause irritation. If a gash is extremely deep, apply pressure to the area and seek medical attention.

• 5

  Apply antibiotic ointment to the wounded area, and place a bandage over the area.