Cleanliness and Sterilizing
To prevent infection in wounds, burns, and other injuries, it is essential that all dressings and instruments used are sterile. Dressings should preferably be supplied in prepacked and sterilized form. Sterile instruments can be obtained in two ways. First, they may come in prepacked sterilized containers designed for single use; such disposable instruments are convenient and reduce the risk of infection. Second, non-disposable instruments must be sterilized before use by boiling them in water for at least 20 minutes. Care must be taken that the “patient end” of any instrument does not touch anything before use, and the person handling the instrument should only touch the parts necessary for its use.

The person providing treatment must also avoid contaminating the wound. This involves rolling up sleeves and thoroughly washing hands, wrists, and forearms first with soap and running water, and then with a 1% cetrimide solution.