Apply direct pressure to any wounds that are actively bleeding

Clean non-puncture wound with saline via high pressure syringe irrigation

Considerations

• Consider Tetanus prophylaxis - see Vaccination Information below
• For dog and cat bites: consider Rabies prophylaxis; see information below
• For cat bites: start antibiotic treatment regardless of severity (bites are deeper and may seem superficially well)
• For human bites: If unvaccinated for Hepatitis B, consider Hepatitis B IgG and vaccination
• For human bites: assess risk for HIV infection and see HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis Pathway

Do any of the below apply?

• Is this a significant wound (e.g multiple bites, edema, or significant crush injury)?

• Does the wound look infected?

• Does it involve one of the following areas (face, scalp, hand, foot, or genitalia)?

• Has it penetrated the periosteum or joint capsule?

• Is the patient immunocompromised (including asplenia)?

• Or is this a cat bite?