Some cuts and grazes can be minor and can be treated easily by simply cleaning the wound and applying a plaster or dressing.
- If the cut is bleeding heavily you must apply pressure using a clean towel or bandage. If the cut is to the arm or hand raise it above their head; if it is below the waist ask them to lie on the floor and raise the affected area above the heart so that the bleeding stops or slows down
- If there is a large object embedded then don’t try to remove it; just pad around it and apply a bandage to keep it secure. Call 999 if necessary
- Apply direct pressure to the wound with a pad or fingers until a dressing is available
- Sit or lie the casualty down to treat for shock
- Elevate the limb, but if you think the bone has been broken, don’t move the limb. Apply the pad or dressing firmly to control the bleeding
- Do not apply the dressing so tightly that it stops circulation. If the bleeding seeps through the first bandage then cover it with a second bandage. Call 999 if necessary
NOSE BLEED
- To stop a nose bleed, sit down and firmly pinch the soft part of your nose, (just above your nostrils); do this for around 10 minutes
- Lean forward and breathe through your mouth; this is done so that the blood drains down your nose and not to your throat
- Never lie down; stay upright as this will reduce the blood pressure in the veins in your nose, and will discourage further bleeding
- Keep placing pressure on your nose for up to 30 minutes or until the bleeding has stopped.