What is the immediate action to take for a person with a human or animal bite?

Washing the wound for at least 5 minutes is the appropriate immediate action for a person with a human or animal bite. This process effectively helps to remove bacteria and other harmful pathogens from the area, significantly reducing the risk of infection. The use of soap and clean water is particularly important, as it minimizes the possibility of complications that can arise from bites, such as serious infections or diseases possibly transmitted by animal bites.

Other actions, such as applying heat, ignoring the wound, or letting it air out, are not recommended. The application of heat could exacerbate damage and increase the risk of infection rather than mitigate it. Ignoring a bite wound, especially if the bleeding is not severe, can lead to complications since even minor wounds can develop infections if not treated appropriately. Allowing it to air out is also ineffective as it does not provide the necessary cleaning and can leave the wound exposed to further contamination. Therefore, washing the wound properly remains the best immediate response.