56 



The clean-cut wounds, if not too serious, are the 

 least difficult in treating. 



FIRST STEP IN TREATING 



The flow of blood is usually associated with 

 ordinary wounds ; other than with some bruised and 

 punctured wounds this is always true. Frequently a 

 nail puncture gives off no blood or it is not noticed. 

 However, the blood is present, for, from the very 

 nature of the trouble, blood rushes to the seat, this 

 being nature's way of repair. Your first step, 

 therefore, is to check the excessive blood flow. 



If left to itself the blood might do it. Blood has 

 the trick of coagulating or clotting; and this in 

 time will check the flow. But you can assist in 

 forming the clot very simply by applying some 

 finely ground material that the blood may be held 

 on the spot. Absorbent cotton is the best material 

 to use. In case this is not available, use something 

 of like nature — something that is clean, not stored 

 up with germs. Tea is good, as is flour also. Cold 

 water acts favorably, and for the slight, ordinary 

 surface wounds water is usually sufficient. A few 

 drops of some antiseptic in the water, if avail- 

 able, is always advisable, for the freshest water 

 carries its full quota of germs, some of which 

 may cause trouble. A tiny bit of alum powder 

 will be found both effective and not painful. 



Cleansing the Wound. — After the flow of blood 

 has been stopped, cleansing the wound is next in 

 order. All dirt should be carefully removed, the 

 injured flesh cleansed, the torn tissues brought to- 

 gether and stitched, if need be, and antiseptics ap- 

 plied. The water used in bathing the wounded 

 flesh should contain an antiseptic, that the germs 



