Things You'll Need:
- Bite wound
- Disinfectant
- Soap
- Water
- Gauze
- Bandages
-
Step 1
Having been bitten by an animal, the first thing to do is to get out of the immediate area. If an animal has bitten you once, then it might well bite you again, so even if the animal has run away, you should also either leave the area or at least go inside.
-
Step 2
Once you are inside, wash the wound with antibacterial soap and water and be sure to clean the inside of the wound itself, even though this might be painful. This is particularly important if you were bitten by an animal which might have been poisonous, such as a snake, or something whcih might have been rabid, for example a raccoon.
-
Step 3
After the wound has been washed, make sure that the bleeding has either stopped, or is at least slowing. If the wound is very large and bleeding profusely, for example if had your arm bitten off by a shark. Then tie a tourniquet and tie it tightly in place above the wound to slow the bleeding. Also it is generally best to call medical assistance if the wound is bleeding heavily or a large artery has been cut.
-
Step 4
After you have washed the wound, and the bleeding has been controlled, dab some antiseptic on some gauze and apply it to the wounded area. Next wrap the wound in a bandage so that the gauze stays in place, and either tie, pin or stick the bandage in place.
-
Step 5
After the wound itself is clean and bound, the next thing to do, particularly if the animal was wild or stray, is to get yourself checked out at a hospital. Even a small bite can potentially transmit rabies, as well as a whole host of other infections and diseases. Hospital tests can rule these out, and make sure that any infections are treated properly.
