Bleeding, Cuts, and Scrapes
We talk about Severe Bleeding, and the National Stop the Bleed initiative... but minor cuts and scrapes? Those need first aid, too.
When to Call 9-1-1 or the Local Emergency Number
- Bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Wounds that show muscle or bone
- Large or deeply embedded objects in the wound
- Skin or body parts that have been partially or completely torn away
- Any time you are concerned that the risk is beyond your capabilities of assistance and care
When to call your healthcare provider or, if unavailable, seek immediate medical attention:
- Large wounds
- Human or animal bites
- Any wound on the face
- Wounds that involve joints, are deep or involve hands and feet
~ What to do:
~ CHECK the scene and the person. (Always make sure the area is safe for you as a rescuer before attempting to provide care.)
~ Get permission to give care if the injured person is a conscious adult.
~ Cover the wound with a sterile dressing and apply direct pressure. Avoid touching blood or body fluids; wear disposable gloves or use a barrier.
~ Cover dressing with a bandage or wrap and maintain pressure until bleeding stops.
~ Wash hands immediately after giving care even if you used gloves.
...If bleeding does not stop –
- Apply additional dressings and bandage and maintain pressure. Do NOT remove any bandages that may have adhered to the wound, as this could interfere with the clotting process and reopen areas of the wound that have begun healing.)
- Call or have someone else CALL 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
- Care for shock. See First Aid Skills: Treating Shock
Minor Wound Care
~ What to do:
- CHECK the scene and the person. (Always make sure the area is safe for you as a rescuer before attempting to provide care.)
- Get permission to give care if the injured person is a conscious adult.
- Using a barrier, apply pressure to control bleeding.
- Wash the wound with soap and water. Rinse for about 5 minutes with clean running water. (Do not use hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in an open wound.)
- Apply an antibiotic ointment if the person has no known allergies or sensitives to the medication.
- Cover the wound with a sterile dressing and bandage.
Learn more - read Clean, Treat, Protect: First Aid for cuts and scrapes