Punctures, skin tearing, and deep penetrating wounds are very dangerous because bacteria may be injected deep into the tissues. Injuries to the hand, wrist, foot, joint, abdomen, or chest require immediate medical attention. Local wound infection may be indicated by warmth, pus, red streaks, a foul odor, lymph node swelling, pain with joint movement, and fever. Foreign objects stuck in a wound should be stabilized. Do not remove them.
All wounds require immediate thorough cleansing with fresh tap water.
Gently scrub the wound with soap and water to remove foreign material. If a syringe is available, it should be used to provide high-pressure irrigation. Remove dead tissue from the wound with a sterile scissors or scalpel. Wounded extremities should be immobilized and elevated. Most clean wounds can be drawn together and closed with tape.