1. Wash your hands thoroughly before treating the wound.

  2. Gently brush away any foreign object on the surface, such as gravel or sand.

  3. Clean the wound and surrounding area, wiping away from the wound, using sterile swabs, warm and sterile water, and a mild antiseptic.

  4. Pat dry the skin around the wound but do not wipe away blood clots.

  5. Apply a sterile, non-adherent dressing, if necessary. If the wound is dirty or caused by a rusty object, a tetanus toxoid injection may be needed.