f. Miscellaneous Diseases. Miscellaneous communicable diseases consist of
communicable diseases that do not fall into any of the other five groups. Diseases such
as tetanus (lockjaw) and rabies fall into this group.
Section II. PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF INFECTION
1-5.
PREVENTION OF WOUND INFECTION
Steps to prevent wound infection must be taken by each person who renders aid,
care, or treatment to the casualty. Although all combat wounds are contaminated by
their nature, the following precautions can be taken to avoid converting contaminated
wounds to infected wounds and to minimize the occurrence of wound infections.
a. Sterile Dressing. The application of a sterile dressing over the wound will
b. Clean Hands. Persons giving direct care and treatment to patients should
wash their hands in soap and water or rinse hands in antiseptic. Hands contaminated
with blood, vomitus, mucus, urine, or feces should be thoroughly scrubbed before
providing care and treatment.
c. Clean Wound.
(1) Minor cuts and bruises may be scrubbed vigorously with soap and water
and dried with sterile cotton before dressings are applied.
(2) If an antiseptic is immediately available, it may be applied around a
superficial wound when hemorrhage is not severe and when surgery is expected to be
delayed for more than six hours after the injury occurred.
(a) When applying antiseptic around a wound, use a sterile cotton
swab. Start at the wound edge and apply the antiseptic away from the wound. Do not
retrace.
(b)
Do not put antiseptic into the wound nor permit it to drain into the
wound.
(c) Do not remove or loosen a dressing to apply antiseptic around the
area of the wound.
(d) Do not touch the antiseptic supply with a used swab or anything
else not sterile.
(e)
Do not breathe, cough, or sneeze on wounds or sterile items.
MD0540
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