First Aid for Common Cuts

Cuts and scrapes are a normal part of life, especially if you have kids! Generally, small cuts and abrasions will heal completely on their own without much help, but there are a few instances where first aid is required.

MEDIUM SIZED CUTS

It happens to the best of us – slicing a thumb in the kitchen while chopping the veggies, or catching our finger with a box cutter. Tiny cuts just warrant a few choice swear words and maybe running the cut under water. For bigger cuts, there are a few first aid steps you need to take:

Place pressure and a bandage or towel directly over the wound to stem the bleeding. If bleeding soaks through, do not remove the towel, but place another one on top.
Once bleeding has been controlled, wash the wound with mild soap and water. Do not wash with iodine or hydrogen peroxide as this can also damage the healthy tissue.
Cover the wound with antibiotic cream and place a bandage securely on top. Change the bandage every day – wounds heal much more quickly if they are dry and exposed to air. Having the same bandage continuously in place promotes a moist environment for bacteria to grow.

WHEN SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION?

If you notice any of the below, go and see a medical professional immediately as you may require stitches or further treatment:

Jagged or gaping edges of the wound.
Debris or other foreign material embedded in the wound that can’t be flushed out.
Redness or a discharge coming from the wound. This, also with the patient experiencing a fever, are signs of an infection.
The wound is numb.
If the patient has not had a tetanus shot for over 5 years.

First aid is so vital in circumstances like these, as without proper care, an ‘everyday’ cut could quickly turn into a life-threatening situation. To take one of our fun and interactive (we promise!) first aid classes at Varsity Lakes or Coomera, book online at https://www.firstaidae.com.au/first-aid-courses/first-aid-course-inlcuding-cpr