Caring for a Minor Wound

1) Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean, absorbent cloth, or your fingers.

2) If the blood soaks through, apply a second bandage on top. Do not take off the first bandage.

3) If bleeding doesn’t stop raise the wound above heart level.

4) Once bleeding has stopped, clean the wound with warm water and soap. Ensure the wound is absolutely clear of any dirt.

5) Apply an antibiotic lotion.

6) Wrap the wound in a clean bandage. Do not wrap the bandage too tight.

Caring for a Major Wound

1) Cover the wound with a clean dressing, and press your hand firmly against the wound.

2) Raise the wound above heart level.

3) The clean dressing should be covered with a roll bandage.

4) If bleeding still does not stop, apply another bandage.

5) Squeeze a pressure point, pushing the artery against the bone.

6) Once the bandages and pressure points have been maintained, ensure that someone has dialed 999.

Special Problems:

When part of the body has been torn off…

	Try to find missing part
	Wrap it in a clean dressing and put in a plastic bag.
	Surround the bag with ice but do not freeze the part.
	Take the part to the hospital with the victim.

When an object is impaled in the wound…

	Do not remove it at all. You could reveal an open artery, which would then be very hard to manage.
	Apply several dressings to the wound in such a way that the object cannot move.

Splinters

	A small splinter in the skin can be removed with tweezers.
	Wash the wound and apply an antibiotic cream.
	If a splinter is in the eye seek medical attention immediately.

Nosebleeds

	Have the victim sit with his or her head tilted forward slightly.
	Pinch their nostrils together.
	You can also apply ice to bridge of nose.

Injury to the mouth

	If the injury does not involve the head or the spine, have the person sit with their head tilted forward slightly. If injury prevents the victim doing this, have them lie on their side so that blood drains away from the mouth.
	If the injury has broken the lip, apply a dressing between the lip and the gum.
	You can also apply cold water.

Lost a tooth?

	Place a small roll of sterile gauze where the tooth was knocked out.
	If you can, pick up the tooth by the top part (the crown) and see if you can put the tooth back in the mouth of the victim.
	If not, place the tooth in fresh milk or water and seek medical attention.

It is always important to remember that First Aid is a temporary measure and in all circumstances you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If in doubt, dial 999.