| Small
cuts and scrapes usually don't
demand a visit to the emergency
room of your local hospital, but
proper care is necessary to keep
infections or other complications
from occurring. When dealing with
minor wounds, keep the following
guidelines in
mind:
|
 |
Stop the
bleeding by applying pressure using
a gauze pad or clean cloth. If the
bleeding persists after several
minutes of applying pressure, get
immediate medical attention. |
|
|
Keep the
wound clean by washing the area
with mild soap and water and removing
any dirt. Dry the area gently with
a clean cloth, and cover the wound
with a protective bandage. Change
the bandage at least once a day.
If the wound becomes tender to the
touch and red or oozes fluid, see
your doctor. |
|
|
If your
cut is more serious and the bleeding
does not stop on its own or the
cut is large, deep, or rough on
the edges, try to stop the bleeding
by applying pressure directly to
the injury using a sterilized gauze
pad or clean cloth. Maintain pressure
on the wound until the bleeding
stops. Then consult your physician.
A tetanus booster may be required
if you haven't had one for a while. |
| |
Severe
Bleeding |
| |
To
stop serious bleeding, follow these
steps: |
| |
Lay the affected
person down. If possible, the person's
head should be slightly lower than
the trunk of his or her body or
the legs should be elevated. This
position increases blood flow to
the brain. Elevate the site of bleeding,
if possible to reduce the blood
flow. |
| |
2. Do not attempt
to clean the wound. |
| |
3. Apply steady,
firm pressure directly to the wound
using a sterile bandage, a clean
cloth, or your hand. Maintain pressure
until the bleeding stops, then wrap
the wound with a tight dressing
and secure it with adhesive tape.
Most bleeding can be controlled
this way. Call for emergency help
immediately. |
| |
4. If the bleeding
continues and seeps through the
bandage, add more absorbent material.
Do not remove the first bandage. |
| |
5. If the bleeding
does not stop, apply pressure to
the major artery that delivers blood
to the area of the injury (see Major
Arterial Pressure Points). |
| |
6. When the bleeding
has stopped, immobilize the injured
portion of the body. You can use
another part of the body, such as
a leg or torso, to immobilize the
area. Leave the bandages in place
and take the person for immediate
medical attention or call for emergency
help. |
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