A simple cut, maybe, but it can depend on where, when and how. Both on the body and where it happened.
A cut is usually done with a sharp object moving across the surface of the skin. This object opens the skin, this can make an opening that contamination can move into, particularly in a dirty area or atmosphere, contamination can also come from the object or both.
If a cut is very shallow or shallow it will just bleed slowly and oozy the blood will be reddish brown in colour. This is from a vein or capillary. Some will bleed very little. Pressure is always used first to try to stop a cut from bleeding. Head wounds can bleed a lot, there are a lot of capillaries in the head. A cut can be deep and miss an artery, this means that more veins can be damaged so a lot of pressure on the wound can be needed. The pressure is applied in 10min., intervals, up to three. If this does not work dial 112/999.
If a cut is deep, it can bleed fast with spurts, the blood will be bright red in colour and spurt in time with the heart beat. This is from an artery and very serious. Dial 112/999. While waiting, put direct pressure on the wound. They can be packed with a clean bandage or a haemostatic dressing, if this is not working a tourniquet can be used if the wound is on a limb. For these wounds, the direct pressure or tourniquet is not released until a medical professional says so.
Cuts need cleaning. If a cut bleeds a little, it is cleaning itself to a degree. More cleaning is usually required, this is done with clean running water. Warm water can allow the wound to continue bleeding, cold water can help the bleeding to stop on small cuts. Wipe gently with a lint free cloth.
Antiseptics are not used. Once a wound is clean, place a plaster/dry dressing over the wound and secure with tape or a bandage. Some wounds can be closed with a wound closure strip or suture plaster. Check the wound regularly. A simple cut can heal in 10 to 14 days.
A wound could still be open to infection after cleaning if:
There is still something in a cut after it has been cleaned.
It looks more like a rip than a cut.
It was contaminated with bodily fluid.
These require medical attention at a hospital.
If the wound has something sticking out of it, other than a small splinter, like a piece of glass or metal, leave it where it is, it could pe plugging the wound. Dress the wound by building up “around” the wound with rolled up bandages or pads, then place a loose covering over the wound and pads, just enough pressure to hold the pads in place, NO PRESSURE is to be placed on the item in the wound. Send the casualty to hospital.
Learn how to deal with simple injuries. Items named on this page and more, with Life Saving Solutions Limited. A starter level takes just six hours of learning. It’s got to be worth it! Anyone that works, by law has the right to medical attention while at work, this includes everyone including those with less than five employees, self-employed, sole traders, office workers, hair dressers, mechanics, double glazing installers, scaffolders, café’s, restaurants, hotels, public houses, joiners, bricklayers, taxi drivers, youth clubs, shops, churches. etc. etc. Don’t forget business owners, if you have visitors, customers, deliverers, you are also responsible for them as well.
111 is for urgent advice 112 is exactly the same as 999