Has the wound broken more than the top layers of skin?

No: Wash the wound and surrounding area well using either a gauze pad, soap and water or an alcohol-free wipe. Do not use cotton wool, as the fluffy material can get stuck to the wound and delay healing. Clean from the inside of the wound outwards and rinse the wound under a cold, running tap to help the removal of dirt. Dry the wound by patting it with clean pieces of gauze and apply a plaster large enough to cover the surrounding area.

Yes: Cuts and open wounds require immediate treatment to prevent infection. Controlling bleeding is also important to prevent shock and the possibility of a loss of consciousness.

Is there an object embedded in the wound?

No: What to do: remove any clothing around the wound and place a sterile pad over it – a clean handkerchief will suffice. Apply firm pressure with your fingers or hand. Raise the injured part above the level of the patient’s head and help them to lie down. Continue to apply pressure for up to ten minutes if bleeding is severe. Apply a sterile dressing on top of the pad and bandage it in place. Do not restrict circulation by tying the bandage too tightly and do not apply a tourniquet (see above). If bleeding stops, support the injury in a raised position, such as a sling for the arm. If it continues, apply a second dressing on top of the first. Call an ambulance.

Yes: Glass or any other object embedded in a wound can prevent effective bleeding and needs to be removed by medical professionals.

What to do: wear disposable gloves if you have them and then press firmly on either side of the object to try and push the edges of the wound together. Tell the casualty to lie down and, if the wound is to the arms or legs, try to raise them above heart level to reduce blood loss. Place some gauze or a sterile dressing on the wound and then build up padding on either side of the wound. Bandage over it without applying pressure to the object. Do not apply a tourniquet – it’s been shown to increase the risk of gangrene when used as first-aid.

Is a tetanus injection required?

This is relevant to both cuts and severe grazes. Tetanus is a dangerous bacterial infection that can easily enter a dirty wound. It can be prevented by immunisation and a course of tetanus injections is usually given during childhood. However, a booster may be needed if there is doubt about the timing or number of injections previously administered or if more than ten years have passed since immunisation.

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