Cuts and grazes:
- Clean it, dry it, cover it with sterile gauze or a clean, non-fluffy cloth.
- Keep it raised and apply a dressing or plaster.
What is a cut?
A cut is when the skin is fully broken.
What is a graze?
A graze is when only the top layers of skin are scraped off.
What to do
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Clean the wound by rinsing it under running water or using sterile wipes.
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Do not rub. Pat the wound dry using a gauze swab and cover it with sterile gauze. If you don’t have these, use a clean, non-fluffy cloth, like a tea towel.
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For a cut, raise and support the injured part above the level of the heart. Avoid touching the wound.
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Clean around the wound with soap and water. Make sure you are wiping away from the wound, using a clean swab for each stroke. Pat dry. Remove the cloth or gauze covering the wound and apply a sterile dressing or a large plaster.
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Seek medical help if:
- a wound won’t stop bleeding
- a foreign object is embedded in the wound – like a splinter of wood or glass
- the wound is from a human or animal bite
- you think the wound might be infected
- you are unsure whether the casualty has been immunised against tetanus.
