When an accident victim suffers a wound, immediate medical attention is necessary to avoid infection. First aid should be administered on the scene and emergency medical personnel should be contacted to provide additional medical care. It is important to cover and close severe wounds as soon as possible to avoid excessive blood loss and infection. If this is not done properly, bacteria may enter the wound and interfere with the healing process. When infected wounds are left untreated, the immune system can become compromised and serious health problems or death can result.