Lacerations are cuts to the skin, usually caused by a sharp object.

Evaluation:
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• Is the wound actively bleeding?
• How deep is the laceration?
• Is there any sign of a wound infection (pus or swelling and redness of the wound)?
• Is there any other injury like a broken bone ?

Treatment:
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- Stop the bleeding

• Apply direct pressure until bleeding stops. This may take >5 minutes. 
• If wound is very deep then direct pressure may not work
  
• If bleeding continues to be severe, apply a pressure dressing (see below), and if still severe, apply a tourniquet. 

- Clean the wound

• Wash thoroughly with tap water (if available). Rinse for 2-3 minutes if possible.
• If no running water, rinse with as much clean water as available (preferably at least a gallon)

- Close the wound (if wound large and/or won't stop bleeding)

• Use a butterfly bandage
• Apply tissue adhesive or super glue (new tube/never opened)
• Use skin stapler (if available)
• Use strips of tape (tear duct tape into smaller pieces)
• Stitches (if wound is gaping or large) - can use needle and thread

- Apply bandage(s)

• Apply antibiotic ointment or Vaseline to wound or to bandage
• Cover wound completely with clean bandage(s)
• Tape bandage into place or wrap with elastic/ACE wrap
• If bleeding heavy/won't stop, apply a pressure dressing (see below)

Pressure Dressings:
If bleeding continues after pressure applied to wound manually, then a pressure dressing may be needed.

• Apply a large wad of bandages/dressings to the wound, then wrap the area with sterile gauze, a scarf, an elastic bandage or other clean material around the body part.
• The wrap should be tight enough to keep the wad of dressings in place, but not so tight that they cut off circulation.
• Check the limb intermittently to make sure circulation is OK (no blue, white or pulseless limbs)