Water should be clean. Tap water, bottled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled are your best choices, but you can also use clear, running water, such as from a stream, if needed. Avoid cleaning the wound with stagnant or cloudy water. Do not pull out any objects deeply penetrating the skin. These may be stopping the bleeding, and by removing them, you risk more damage. Similarly, if an object does not wash away easily from the wound, do not pick at it to remove it; simply leave it. [2] X Research source Contrary to popular belief, urine is not sterile when it leaves the body. If you do not have access to water, you should not pee on the wound. Gently remove any dirt from the wound with your fingers and let your natural clotting properties work. Your body’s white blood cells will be more effective at killing bacteria. [3] X Research source

Petrolatum (also known as petroleum jelly) can be rubbed over the wound to prevent bacteria from entering the cut. [4] X Research source Pine sap, honey, and sugar can help seal the wound. [5] X Research source You can also try using a saltwater solution. Use alcohols and strong antiseptics, such as rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol), strong liquor (whiskey, bourbon, etc. ), iodine, or hydrogen peroxide sparingly. There is conflicting evidence as to whether or not these hurt or help healing, but if you have a dirty wound, they may disinfect it initially. [6] X Research source

If you have no clean cloth or clothing but do have access to a heat source, such as a camping fire, boil and dry your clothing instead. If you have no access to a clean cloth and no way to boil your clothing, assess the extent of your wound. If it is in an area likely to be infected—such as your hands or feet—it is best to bandage it as best you can until you can reach medical aid. If not, you can use the cloth to staunch the bleeding but leave the wound unbandaged.

Be sure you are not constricting your circulation. Tape and wraps should be tight enough to hold the bandage in place but not so tight that your skin turns blue.