First aid and safety

Injuries can happen in an instant. They can leave behind large or small wounds, but they always mean blood, risk of infection and pain. And that is precisely what first aid needs to focus on.

First aid for bleeding wounds

If you consider an injury serious, you should seek medical attention. But, as a first aider, you will still need to act. Blood loss and pain can cause shock, which is why the injured person should sit or lie down. Next, assess the wound. If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure using a clean and dry bandage towel or handkerchief for several minutes.

What to do:

1. Wash your hands:

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

2. Clean the wound:

Clean the wound with drinking-quality running tap water.

3. Dry the skin:

Pat the area dry with a clean towel.¹

4. Stop the bleeding:

Your next priority is to stop any bleeding since it is the source of the greatest immediate danger. If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean gauze bandage or cloth and elevate until the bleeding stops.¹

5. Dress the wound:

An adhesive bandage (plaster) is enough for smaller wounds, while bigger wounds require sterile compresses or a dressing pack. A compression dressing should be placed on wounds that are bleeding heavily.

Don’t forget your own safety: if you are treating a heavily bleeding wound, wear disposable gloves to protect against infection.

For treatment steps for different kinds of wounds have a look at our wound advisor.

When to seek medical advice

Most cuts are minor and can be dealt with at home. However, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional, if

you can't stop the bleeding
you're bleeding from an artery
you experience persistent or significant loss of sensation near the wound or you're having trouble moving any body parts
you have a severe cut to your face
you have a cut on the palm of your hand and it looks infected
there's a possibility a foreign body is still inside the wound
the wound is very large or the injury has caused a lot of tissue damage¹

When was your last tetanus vaccination? Please consult a healthcare professional to consider a tetanus booster.²