Let’s Clear This Up: When Wound Packing Should (and Should Not) Be Used

chloe5455
Dec 2
3 min read

In recent years, wound packing has become a popular topic in first aid discussions. While the technique can be lifesaving in the right scenario, it is also one of the most misunderstood and incorrectly taught skills in first aid.

At Central West First Aid Training, we’ve noticed increasing confusion around wound packing during courses in areas like Bathurst and Orange, so it’s important to clarify when it should (and shouldn’t)

be used.

What Is Wound Packing?

Wound packing is a first aid technique used to control severe, life-threatening bleeding in areas of the body where a tourniquet cannot be applied. It involves tightly filling a deep wound with gauze or a similar material, applying firm, direct pressure, and maintaining that pressure until emergency services arrive.

When done correctly, wound packing can save lives in situations where other bleeding control methods aren’t possible.

What Wound Packing Is Not

Wound packing is not a general-use bleeding control technique. It is not appropriate for every wound and should not be used simply because someone saw it online or in a social media video.

Using wound packing incorrectly can worsen bleeding, restrict breathing, or cause serious internal injury.

When Wound Packing Is Appropriate

Wound packing is only for severe bleeding in areas where a tourniquet cannot be applied. These are typically known as junctional areas—where limbs meet the torso. Appropriate sites include:

Groin
Armpit
Buttocks
Deep, narrow wounds where direct pressure alone is ineffective

In these areas, bleeding can be catastrophic. Wound packing, when done correctly, can slow or stop the bleeding until paramedics arrive.

When Wound Packing Should Not Be Used

It is critical to avoid wound packing in these areas:

Head: Bleeding is usually manageable with direct pressure, and packing can cause further injury.
Neck: Major blood vessels and the airway are at risk; packing can restrict breathing and worsen bleeding.
Chest: Packing can interfere with lung function and internal pressure.
Abdomen: Internal organs cannot tolerate packing; direct pressure and rapid transport are the correct responses.

Additionally, wound packing should not be used for minor, shallow, or non-life-threatening bleeding. In these cases, direct pressure is the safest and most effective method.

Why the Confusion Exists

Social media and some non-accredited training sources can make wound packing appear as a universal solution. However, proper first aid training follows evidence-based guidelines. The key rule to remember is:

Wound packing is only for heavily bleeding wounds in areas where a tourniquet cannot be applied.

If the injury is to the head, neck, chest, or abdomen, direct pressure is the correct response.

Proper Alternatives for Other Wounds

Head wounds: Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean dressing.
Chest wounds: Apply direct pressure; do not remove impaled objects.
Abdominal wounds: Cover protruding organs with a moist dressing; avoid pushing anything back inside.
Neck wounds: Apply direct pressure carefully without obstructing the airway.

These approaches ensure bleeding is controlled without causing additional harm.

Why Training Matters

Bleeding control is one of the most essential first aid skills. With high-quality training, anyone can make a lifesaving difference before paramedics arrive.

At Central West First Aid Training, our courses in Bathurst, Orange, and across the Central West focus on practical, evidence-based techniques. We teach not only how to perform skills correctly, but also when and where to apply them safely.