Sep 14, 2015 
First Aid Basics: First Aid for Cuts
At some point in most people’s lives, they’ve experienced a minor or even a serious cut. In addition, many have also helped tend to someone who has received some type of cut. A cut can be as minor as a small paper cut or something major like a laceration that runs deep through skin and muscle. Both are generally painful, and both require some degree of first aid. Cuts that are minor often represent little danger if proper aid is given; deeper cuts, however, can result in more serious concerns and require more care and attention. To properly administer first aid for cuts, whether as a parent or a professional, one should have some form of training. At CPR Certified, we offer online courses including basic first aid. Because our classes are taken online, they are suitable for anyone, including busy students, at-home parents, and professionals.
Often, the type of cut that most people encounter will be a minor one. These cuts may or may not bleed but aren’t deep enough to cause any real concern. When you are administering first aid for cuts that are minor, you’ll want to stop any bleeding and clean the cut thoroughly. Before handling any cut, whether it is minor or major, you will want to put on a pair of gloves for safety. The person should wash their hands and the area of the cut with clean water and an antibacterial or mild soap. Attention should be paid to the area with the cut specifically, even if it appears to be clean, as not all harmful bacteria are visible to the naked eye. The cut may be bandaged following the application of an antibacterial ointment and a sterile bandage. In some cases, additional care may be needed even if the wounds are minor cuts. First aid is not enough if the individual is unable to feel the injury or the area around it or if the bleeding continues for more than ten minutes. Immediate medical care is needed if the cut was caused by a rusty object. If you’ve administered first aid to a your child, a friend, or a loved one and notice signs of infection after a day or more, a trip to the emergency room or a call to a doctor may be necessary.
Act Quickly
When administering deep cut first aid, it is crucial that you stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. Using a clean piece of gauze or a clean cloth, apply pressure to the cut. First aid for this type of cut is administered with the purposes of first attempting to stop the loss of blood and reducing the risk of infection if possible. Applying pressure directly on the bleeding cut will help to stop the bleeding. Some cuts may bleed profusely, and more clean cloth may be required. Apply cloth as needed, but do not remove the soaked cloth or let up on the pressure for five full minutes. After this time, check to see if the bleeding has ended. Bleeding from a cut on an arm or leg may be slowed by also raising the victim’s limb so that it is above the heart. After the bleeding has stopped, clean around the wounded area with a clean cloth and clean water if it is possible. Beyond first aid, deep and/or jagged cuts, cuts that do not stop bleeding, and cuts caused by objects such as a nail should be seen by a physician for further medical treatment.
Protect your family and impress your employers when you learn basic first aid from CPR Certified. When you learn basic first aid, cuts and other injuries suffered by those around you can receive aid quickly, greatly reducing the risk of further pain and suffering in some cases. In addition to basic first aid, you can also take our CPR certification course; if you are already certified, know that we also offer recertification. Our classes are taught and developed by AHA-certified instructors so that you know you are getting the best training possible. Contact us today for further information about our courses or to learn more about first aid training and how we can teach you to administer aid for cuts and more.