Aseptic Non Touch Technique
Wound Cleaning
Q: Before performing ANTT wound cleaning, what must you obtain from the patient?
A: Informed consent and ensure it is an appropriate procedure to perform.
Q: How should you manage an old or dirty dressing before cleaning a wound?
A: Remove it carefully and dispose of it properly before cleaning the wound.
Q: What solution is used for irrigating and cleaning a wound?
A: Copious amounts of saline.
Q: When cleaning a wound, in which direction should you clean?
A: From the centre outwards (for circular wounds) or top down for linear wounds.
Q: How should surfaces be prepared for ANTT in the prehospital environment?
A: Use a clean flat surface, cover with a bluey, towel, or pillowcase, and disinfect if possible (e.g., alcohol swabs).
Q: How should the dressing pack be handled when opened?
A: Touch only the outside edges and corners, keeping the inside sterile.
Q: What is the role of the yellow forceps?
A: To lay out items from the dressing pack; they become contaminated once used and should be left at the edge.
Q: How are two sets of blue forceps used in wound cleaning?
A: - Non-dominant hand: stays over sterile field.
Dominant hand: acts as a transition between patient and sterile field.
Q: How should cotton balls or gauze be used on the wound?
A: Squeeze out excess fluid, pass to the dominant hand, and clean the wound from the centre outwards, disposing after use.
Q: What must you avoid when cleaning a wound?
A: Recontaminating the wound by going back over already cleaned areas.
Q: How should the wound be dried before applying a dressing?
A: Allow it to air dry slightly and use sterile gauze to dry around the outside.
Q: What is the final step after cleaning a wound using ANTT?
A: Apply an appropriate dressing and clean up the area, maintaining asepsis.