- Wash your hands thoroughly before treating the wound.
- Gently brush away any foreign object on the surface, such as gravel or sand.
- Clean the wound and surrounding area, wiping away from the wound, using sterile swabs, warm and sterile water, and a mild antiseptic.
- Pat dry the skin around the wound but do not wipe away blood clots.
- 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.