Cuts and Scrapes First Aid Procedures
Cuts and scrapes can be relatively mild although at times, they can be somewhat severe. There are a few guidelines to keep in mind when dealing with the many cuts and scrapes.
Cleaning the Area
No matter what age, young and old, everyone experiences cuts and scrapes at some point in their life. When this happens, the first thing to remember is to not panic and take a deep breath. After the situation is under control, a close inspection of the cut or scrape should be performed. Look for any dirt or grime that may be present in or around the area. When the skin suffers an abrasion or laceration, dirt may sometimes get into the affected area, which needs to be removed or wiped clean. A traditional way to clean cuts or scrapes is with rubbing alcohol (isopropynol). This will kill any bacteria and dirt that manages to find its way into the wound. However, it can also damage the fleshy tissue underneath the epidermal layer. Anti-bacterial soap and water should be used or other products on the market specifically created for disinfecting wounded areas. After the area has been thoroughly washed with a biological disinfectant and has been wiped clean, you should determine the need for a bandage.
To Bandage or Not to Bandage
There are many differing opinions on when to bandage a wound, and when to let it breathe. Traditionally, all wounds were bandaged; however, contemporary research has shown that sometimes certain cuts and scrapes need air to be able to heal properly. This being said, one general rule of thumb to follow is to bandage if the wound will be exposed to further unsanitary situations. For instance, if you are in a kitchen and you cut your finger but still have cooking to do; you should bandage your finger after disinfecting because other foods may contain bacteria that could lead to infection. If, however, your child has stubbed his or her toe and decides that it is time to watch television for the rest of the night, you may leave the bandage off to allow the wound to air and heal. Before deciding to bandage or to leave exposed, you should use a healing ointment that is anti-bacterial. This will keep the wound from unwanted contaminants as well as promote fast and proper healing.
Severe Cuts and Bleeding
There may be a time when you, your child, or another person close to you cuts themselves in a manner that is severe. If this happens, don’t panic. Get control of the situation by taking a deep breath. After you are composed, raise the affected area above the head. This will slow the flow of blood to that particular region. After you have the area raised, you should then put pressure on the wound with a sterile cloth or bandage. Do not tape the bandage to the skin but hold it firmly on the area for at least ten minutes before you check the bleeding. For cuts that require actions such as this, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid any further complications.
The most important thing to remember in any situation is to keep calm. You will do a disservice to yourself and others by losing control. As long as you keep composed, you can deal with the problems as they arise. Remember, if there is any doubt in a particular situation; seek medical attention as soon as possible by a licensed medical technician, who can help rectify the situation.