CUTS AND SCRAPES
CAUTION
IS IT AN EMERGENCY?
RECOMMENDED MODULES FOR TREATMENT
BLEEDING
WOUNDS
ESSENTIALS
INJURIES
WHAT TO DO FIRST
ABOUT THE INJURY
Medical help needs to be sought only if: bleeding does not stop; there is a foreign object embedded in the cut; there is a particular risk of infection, from a human or animal bite or a puncture by a dirty object; or an old wound shows signs of becoming infected
how to treat it
TREATING CUTS AND SCRAPES
1. If the wound is dirty, clean it by rinsing under running water, or use alcohol-free wipes.
Pat the wound dry using a gauze swab and cover it with sterile gauze.
2. Raise and support the injured part above the level of the heart, if possible. Avoid touching the wound.
3. Clean the area around the wound with soap and water. Wipe away from the wound and use a clean swab for each stroke. Pat dry. Remove the wound covering and apply a sterile dressing. If there is a particular risk of infection, advise the casualty to seek medical advice.
CAUTION
- Ask the casualty about tetanus immunization.
Seek medical advice if:
- He has a dirty wound
- He has never been immunized
- He is not sure whether he is up to date on his injections