What is the irrigation volume currently recommended for small wounds?

The recommended irrigation volume for small wounds is 1-3 liters. This range is suggested to effectively cleanse the wound and remove any contaminants, debris, and bacteria that may cause infection. The primary goal of wound irrigation is to ensure that the area is thoroughly cleaned without causing additional trauma to the tissue or introducing further risk of infection.

Using 1-3 liters strikes a balance between providing enough fluid to adequately cleanse the wound while being mindful of resource use and practicality in field settings, making it an ideal volume for small wounds. This amount is generally sufficient to achieve proper irrigation, ensuring that the wound is clean and ready for further assessment or treatment.

In contrast, larger volumes such as 4-8 liters or 9 or more liters may be excessive and may not significantly improve the outcomes for small wounds. While more irrigation might be appropriate for larger or more contaminated wounds, the specified volume is tailored to the needs of smaller injuries. The option of 2-5 liters, although closer to the correct recommendation, may still exceed what is necessary for small wounds, reinforcing the idea that the lower volume of 1-3 liters is most appropriate in this context.