5.2 Wound Management

What time frame defines a fresh wound?

Less than 8 hours.

What is the recommended irrigation volume for wounds?

50–100 mL normal saline per cm of wound length.

What is the first priority in wound management?

Haemorrhage control.

What are the three main goals of wound care?

Haemorrhage control, infection prevention, patient comfort.

Which dressing is best for acute wounds with minimal exudate?

Low-adhesive dressings (e.g., Melolin).

Which dressing is best for skin tears?

Silicone foam dressings (e.g., Mepilex/Bane).

Which dressing is best for large wounds with bleeding or heavy exudate?

Combine dressing.

When are Steri-Strips appropriate?

For small, superficial, clean wounds where edges approximate without tension.

Name three wound types that require ED transport.

Deep wounds, full thickness skin tears, penetrating wounds with foreign body risk.

Within how many hours should animal/human bites be reviewed?

Within 8 hours.

Within how many hours should wounds requiring sutures or glue be reviewed?

Within 8 hours.

Which patients must have wounds reviewed within 24 hours?

Patients with comorbidities or impaired wound healing.