A ventilated bandage system (10, 210, 400) is provided for use with a wound (200). The system (10, 210, 400) includes a bandage (14, 410) positioned adjacent the wound (200) to create a sealed environment around the wound (200). A vacuum source (16) of the system (10, 210, 400) is in communication with the bandage (14, 410) to create negative pressure between the bandage (14, 410) and the wound (200). The system (10, 210, 400) may also include a first passageway or vent (19, 119, 219, 460) in communication with the bandage (14, 410) and with the surrounding atmosphere, and a second passageway in communication with the bandage and with the vacuum source (16).