A wound is a damage to the skin or mucous membrane, which may also involve injuries to deeper tissues or internal organs.

The purpose of first aid and treatment of wounds is to keep the wound area as clean as possible and to protect the damaged area so that bacteria that cause inflammation cannot enter the wound from the skin of the person being helped, the ground, the helper's hands or the person causing the injury.

Do this when the wound is small

• Wash your hands before treating the wound
• Clean the wound with running water or an antiseptic wipe
• Dry the wound with a fold
• Stop the bleeding by pressing on the wound or squeezing the edges of the wound together.
• Wounds that bleed profusely are quelled by pressing evenly with a folded bandage for 5-10 minutes
• Depending on the size of the wound, close it with a plaster or wound fold and gauze
• The edges of small incisions are fixed together with a butterfly patch
• Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date
• Let the wound heal in peace
• Change the bandage or patch regularly, and keep the protective bandage dry

Consult a doctor when

• The wound is deep or long, very ragged or cannot be cleaned
• The discharge from the wound is profuse and the bleeding cannot be stopped. (Note that a wound that requires suturing must be sutured within 6 hours.)
• Symptoms of inflammation appear in the wound, such as redness, swelling, heat or pain

If necessary, call 112 if the situation requires it