It is important to thoroughly clean the wound in order to avoid infection, especially with wounds to the hand, head, chest, back, or abdomen. Has a wound that is bleeding heavily, and can't be stopped. Superficial to deep penetration of the skin with a sharp object. Deep or puncture wounds can damage underlying blood vessels, nerves, and organs. Has a foreign object wedged into a wound, whether visible or not.
Objects sometimes break off and remain in the wound.
Has a wound in the hand, head, chest, back, or abdomen. Hasn't had a full series of tetanus shots or a tetanus shot in five years. Rinse the wound with cool water. Wash around the wound with soap and water. Avoid getting soap directly into the wound.