A sprain is an injury to the soft tissues surrounding joints. Elevate the part. Apply cold, wet applications or an ice bag during the first half hour following the injury to reduce the swelling. Keep the joint at rest. A wound is a break in the skin.
Wounds are subject to infection and bleeding.
In a minor wound where bleeding is not severe, clean the injury and apply a dry, sterile, and clean dressing. In a wound that produces severe bleeding, the object is to stop the bleeding at once. Always, if possible, apply pressure directly over the wound with a clean or sterile dressing or cloth. Application of a bare hand may be necessary for quick action in stemming a major blood loss until effective cloth material can be brought to use. The use of a tourniquet in case of bleeding from an extremity is justifiable only rarely.