All wounds require dressing and bandaging. Dressings help control bleeding, protect the wound from further damage and prevent further contamination. The initial dressing used to control bleeding should be sterile. Otherwise, choose a material that is as clean as possible. Cover the entire wound with the dressing. Try to extend the dressing material past the ends of the wound. Do not remove a dressing once applied. If bleeding continues, apply additional dressings over the old ones.

Bandages hold dressings in place. They should not come into direct contact with the wound. Secure the dressing with a bandage that is snug, but does not impair circulation. Wrap the dressing from distal to proximal to help reduce swelling and enhance circulation. If possible, leave the fingers and toes exposed.

Use occlusive dressings, such as plastic, to cover open wounds such as an abdominal evisceration or an open chest wound. These dressings provide an airtight seal and prevent air from entering or leaving the chest cavity. They also prevents loss of moisture in cases of open abdominal evisceration.