What should be done after packing a wound according to best practices?

After packing a wound, reinforcing it with a pressure dressing is critical to help control bleeding and promote clotting. A pressure dressing provides firm, consistent pressure on the wound site, which can help stabilize any packing material and ensure that it remains in place. This is especially important in tactical environments where movement and activity may cause dislodgment of the packing, potentially leading to increased bleeding and a higher risk of complications.

Applying a pressure dressing also serves to protect the wound from external contaminants and further injury, while supporting the healing process. In tactical medical situations, maintaining hemostasis is paramount, and by applying a pressure dressing after packing, the responder effectively addresses this priority.

Other practices, such as waiting for gauze to dry or applying an ice pack, are not appropriate here due to the need for immediate and effective hemostatic measures. Leaving the wound uncovered can also lead to increased risk of infection and further injury, which highlights the importance of applying a pressure dressing after packing the wound.