First Aid: Cuts and Scrapes
A break in the skin is an open door, inviting dirt and germs to enter your body and cause infection.
1. Control Bleeding
Apply direct pressure for at least 5 minutes.
For severe bleeding, raise the injury above the heart, if possible.
DON'T use a tourniquet, which prevents blood flow to the area and can damage healthy tissue.
2. Clean and Cover
Wash the scrape or cut with soap and water to kill germs and remove dirt and foreign objects.
Cover the wound with a clean gauze dressing to reduce the risk of infection and further injury. Keep the dressing in place with a gauze or cloth bandage.
DON'T tie or tape the bandage too tight.
Seek medical help if any of the following is true:
The wound covers a large area or is deep.
The injury is on the face or any other area where scarring is a concern.
The person needs protection against tetanus. This is a disease caused by bacteria that may enter any break in the skin and bring on a life-threatening illness called lockjaw. A tetanus booster (injection) may be needed if it's been more than 5 years since the last tetanus vaccination.
Call 911 immediately if the victim has any of the following:
While you wait for help: