The type of wound (incision, laceration, puncture, etc.) will have a major effect on the way a wound is managed, as will the area of the body affected and the presence of any foreign objects in the wound. The key principles of wound management are:
Elevation
Elevation was commonly recommended for the control of major bleeding.
Direct pressure
Placing pressure on the wound will constrict the blood vessels manually, helping to stem any blood flow. When applying pressure, the type and direction of the wound may have an effect, for instance, a cut lengthways on the hand would be opened up by closing the hand into a fist, whilst a cut across the hand would be sealed by making a fist.
Generally an injured person who is conscious can apply pressure directly to their own wound. Ideally a barrier, such as sterile dressing should be used between the person applying pressure and the wound, to help reduce chances of infection and help the wound to seal.
Third parties assisting an injuried person are always advised to use protective medical gloves to reduce risk of infection or contamination passing either way.
Direct pressure can be used with some foreign objects protruding from a wound; padding is applied from each side of the object to push in and seal the wound – objects are never removed.
Bruche Associates are an established Health & Safety and Continual Improvement Consultancy, which evolved out of the chemical and oil and gas industries. Bruche Associates Limited is a family run business overseen by Lee and Joanne Marsh who have over 35 years combined experience working in Healthcare Medical Services, Health & Safety Management and Training and Development. Lee qualified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 1996 before moving into Health and Safety Management with ICI Paints. We work across a range of sectors from chemical manufacturing, engineering, trade & retail, and small & medium size businesses
Bruche Associates Limited 
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