Changes

Stop the bleeding by applying '''pressureThis guide is for minor cuts only''', i.e. As you do this, keep where the cut '''elevated''' above your heart if possibledoes not go deeper than the skin. Then '''clean''' See the wound before '''dressing''' itsections on [[First_aid_for_self-harm_resource:_cuts#Go_to_A_.26_E.2Fget_urgent_medical_help.2C_if...|going to A&E]] or [[First_aid_for_self-harm_resource:_cuts#Call_an_ambulance_if...|calling an ambulance]] for indications of more serious injuries.

==== 1. Pressure ====* '''Press down onto the wound''' to stop Stop the bleeding.** If possible, press on the injury through a '''sterile dressing pad''', otherwise you can use a clean non-fluffy cloth. * If an '''object is stuck in the wound''':** Press '''around the sides''' of the object to stem the bleeding** '''Do ''not'' attempt to remove''' the object.** '''Do ''not'' press''' the object itself. * If a cut is '''bleeding heavily''':** It may take '''10 minutes''' of continuous pressure to stem the bleeding** '''Don’t stop to check''' the injury while you’re by applying pressure - this will interrupt the clotting process** If blood soaks through the pad, add '''another one on top''' rather than removing the first ==== 2. Elevation ====*If possible, '''raise the cut above the level of your heart''' while you are pressing on it.** For example, you could '''lift your cut arm in the air''' while gripping the cut with your other hand.** With cuts in other locations, it may be difficult to do this without help. If you can’t apply pressure while elevating the wound, it’s '''more important to focus on pressure'''. ==== 3. Cleaning ====* Clean the wound by '''rinsing it thoroughly under running water''' - tap water is fine.** If As you can’t easily do this, you can use an '''alcohol-free saline wound wipe''' .** '''Don’t scrub keep the injurycut ''', as this may restart the bleeding** Pat the elevated'''skin around the wound dry''' before you dress it ==== 4. Dressing ====* '''Dress the wound as soon as above your heart if possible''' after cleaning.** Dressings must include a Then '''sterile padclean''' placed directly over the wound, plus a before '''coveringdressing''' to fasten and protect thisit.** These can be '''all-in-one''' (e.g. plasters), or '''2 separate parts''' (a dressing pad plus bandage or adhesive tape)

#'''Pressure'''#* '''Press down onto the wound''' to stop the bleeding.#** If possible, press on the injury through a '''sterile dressing pad''', otherwise you can use a clean non-fluffy cloth. #*If an '''object is stuck in the wound''':#** Press '''around the sides''' of the object to stem the bleeding#** '''Do ''not'' attempt to remove''' the object.#** '''Do ''not'' press''' the object itself.#* If a cut is '''bleeding heavily''':#** It may take '''10 minutes''' of continuous pressure to stem the bleeding#** '''Don’t stop to check''' the injury while you’re applying pressure - this will interrupt the clotting process#** If blood soaks through the pad, add '''another one on top''' rather than removing the first#'''Elevation'''#*If possible, '''raise the cut above the level of your heart''' while you are pressing on it.#** For example, you could '''lift your cut arm in the air''' while gripping the cut with your other hand.#** With cuts in other locations, it may be difficult to do this without help. If you can’t apply pressure while elevating the wound, it’s '''more important to focus on pressure'''.#'''Cleaning'''#* Clean the wound by '''rinsing it thoroughly under running water''' - tap water is fine.#** If you can’t easily do this, you can use an '''alcohol-free saline wound wipe''' .#** '''Don’t scrub the injury''', as this may restart the bleeding#** Pat the '''skin around the wound dry''' before you dress it#'''Dressing'''#* '''Dress the wound as soon as possible''' after cleaning.#** Dressings must include a '''sterile pad''' placed directly over the wound, plus a '''covering''' to fasten and protect this.#** These can be '''all-in-one''' (e.g. plasters), or '''2 separate parts''' (a dressing pad plus bandage or adhesive tape)#* If you are planning to use '''[https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-do-i-apply-butterfly-stitches/ steri-strips/butterfly stitches]'''#** Use these only if the '''wound is very clean''', otherwise you may trap infection inside.#** Follow the directions carefully to make sure that the '''edges of the cut line up'''#** They only hold the top layers of skin together, so are '''not recommended for deeper cuts.'''