All of us have experienced a minor cut or wound at some point in our lives. Minor cuts and scrapes usually don’t require a trip to the emergency room. However, proper first aid home treatment is essential to avoid infection or other complications. 

In this first aid blog post, we’ll discuss how to manage a minor cut or wound at home. Remember, always seek professional medical advice if you are concerned about a wound. 

Always remember, If blood is spurting from a wound or continues to flow after continuous
pressure, seek medical attention immediately. Severe bleeding can be life-threatening within a matter of minutes. 

First Steps Aid for Cuts and Wounds

1. Stop the bleeding. Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their
   own, however, if they don’t, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
   Hold the pressure continuously for 10 – 20 minutes. Do not keep checking to
   see if the bleeding has stopped, this will dislodge the fresh blood clot that’s
   forming and cause the bleeding to resume.
2. Once the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound by rinsing it with clear
   water. Do not use soap unless the wound was caused by an animal bite.
   • After rinsing, if dirt or debris remains in the wound, use tweezers cleaned
     with alcohol to remove the particles. If debris remains embedded in the wound,
     seek medical attention.
3. Clean the area around the wound thoroughly with soap and water
4. Cover the wound with a bandage or sterile gauze, this helps to keep the
   wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out. After the wound starts to heal,
   expose it to the air to speed wound healing.
5. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
6. Seek medical attention if the wound isn’t healing or if it becomes: more
   painful, red, warm, swollen. This could indicate an infection in the wound