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Cuts & Wounds Print E-mail
Safety Tips
Cuts and wounds often occur when a child falls whilst running or playing, or attempts to use a sharp object. A child has significantly less blood than an adult. If injured it is important to control bleeding, as too much blood loss can result in shock. Fortunately the body has its own way of stopping bleeding. First aid treatment assists the body in this process.

Warning: As a general rule always treat blood as possibly infectious. Wear tight disposable rubber gloves, or wrap your hands in plastic bags or use some other type of barrier. If you come into contact with blood, wash it off immediately with soap and water.


Minor cut or wound
  1. Clean the cut with soap and water.
  2. Apply an antiseptic solution and a clean dressing.


Major wound
  1. Calm the child. Lie the child down, and keep them still.
  2. If an arm or leg is bleeding, hold it as high as possible.
  3. If nothing is stuck in the wound, apply firm pressure using a sterile dressing, clean cloth or towel.
  4. Wrap a bandage firmly (not too tight) around the dressing.
  5. If the bleeding continues put another dressing and bandage around the wound. Apply pressure with your hands until the bleeding stops.
  6. If the cut is serious, take the child to a doctor.
  7. If the bleeding can't be stopped or the child is drowsy or pale call an ambulance (dial 000). (See Shock).


Shock
Too much blood loss can result in shock. Some signs of shock include paleness, fast pulse, rapid breathing, dizziness, vomiting and drowsiness. Shock can be life threatening.
  1. Calm and lie the child down.
  2. Raise the child's legs by using a pillow, towels or blanket.
  3. Keep treating the bleeding and call an ambulance (dial 000).
  4. Keep the child warm using a blanket or coat. Do not overheat the child.
  5. If the child is thirsty wet the lips with a wet facewasher. Do not give the child water or food.