What is the recommended method for wound irrigation in the field?

• A. Irrigate with boiling water
• B. Flush with clean water or saline using controlled irrigation; avoid high-pressure force
• C. Irrigate with alcohol
• D. Never irrigate wounds

Answer: (B)

Wound irrigation in the field focuses on removing dirt and bacteria with a gentle, controlled wash rather than trying to sterilize the wound. The best method is to flush with clean water or sterile saline using a controlled, low-pressure flow so you can rinse away debris without pushing material deeper into tissues. This minimizes tissue damage and infection risk. Boiling water can burn tissue, and alcohol damages cells and delays healing, so they’re not suitable for irrigation. Not irrigating at all leaves contaminants in place and increases the chance of infection. In practice, use a syringe or squeeze bottle to deliver a gentle stream, directing clean fluid toward the wound and flushing out debris until the wound looks clean; use clean potable water or sterile saline, warmed slightly if possible, when available.