If someone is bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do is

• A. Bandage the wound tightly
• B. Clean the wound with soap and water
• C. Apply alcohol to the wound
• D. Cover with dry dressing

Answer: (B)

The main idea is preventing infection by cleaning the wound first. Washing with soap and running water for several minutes physically removes bacteria and debris from the bite, reducing the chance of infection before any dressing is applied. After cleaning, protect the area with a clean dressing and monitor for signs of infection. Avoid tightening bandages, as that can injure tissue or trap contaminants; avoid applying alcohol to an open wound, since it can irritate tissue and slow healing; and avoid covering with a dry dressing without cleaning, which won’t remove contaminants. If the bite is deep, bleeds heavily, or you’re unsure about tetanus or rabies risk, seek medical care promptly.