True or False: All wounds must be closed prior to arrival at a definitive care location.

The assertion that all wounds must be closed prior to arrival at a definitive care location is false. In emergency medical practice, the primary objectives are to ensure patient safety, prevent infection, and promote healing while stabilizing the patient for transport to a medical facility.

Not all wounds require closure before definitive care, as some may initially need to remain open to allow for drainage of any fluid or to avoid trapping bacteria and debris that could lead to infection. For example, in the case of certain types of traumatic wounds or when there is a significant risk of infection, healthcare providers may choose to leave the wound open for observation and treatment strategies that are best addressed at a care facility. Moreover, delaying closure may be necessary to assess the wound for potential complications or to perform necessary surgical interventions once at the definitive care location.

Utilizing this knowledge enables medical personnel to prioritize effective wound management and patient care during the initial assessment and transport phases.