What first aid should be done for an animal bite?
• Flush the bitten area with clean water, preferably boiled or treated with germ-killing solutions. Use mild soap to further clean the wound. Cleaning the wound may help decrease the risk of infection. You may also use a cleaning solution, such as one percent povidone solution or 40 to 70 percent alcohol. • Gently remove dirt and foreign objects seen in the wound area. You may do this by swabbing the wound with a soft clean cloth or gauze. • Apply direct pressure on the wound using a clean cloth to stop or control bleeding. Do not use a tourniquet unless blood loss cannot be controlled by direct pressure. • Cover the wound with a clean bandage. Keep the injured area from moving to decrease pain. This may be done by placing a splint and bandage. • Sit or lie down so the wound is raised above your heart. You may put pillows under an injured leg when lying in bed. A sling may be used if the arm or hand is injured. Elevating the wound area will help decrease swelling. Do not raise it too h
