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Compound fractures.—If possible, carefully wash the wound with soap and water; at least two quarts of clean water, to which two level teaspoons of ordinary salt per quart have been added, should be poured onto any exposed bone and into the wound. Dirt from the outside must never be washed into the wound. The skin around the wound, but not the wound and bone, should be painted with a skin antiseptic (e.g., 2 per cent tincture of iodine or the commercially prepared mercurial antiseptics in alcoholic tinctures. These freeze at about —37° F). If there is going to be a delay of more than twelve hours in getting to medical care, the use of broad spectrum antibiotic is advisable. Ask your physician what you should take. The wound should finally be covered with sterile gauze, bandaged, and traction applied. |
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