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Task; Perform one of the first aid procedure learned in class
Cut
First Aid for Cuts
1. Preparation and Safety
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before touching the wound to prevent infection.
If available, wear disposable gloves. This protects both the injured person and the first aider.
If the injured person is bleeding heavily, reassure them to stay calm, as panic can increase blood flow.
2. Control the Bleeding
Place a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or bandage directly on the cut.
Apply gentle but firm pressure for several minutes.
If blood soaks through, do not remove the first layer; place another cloth/gauze on top.
Elevate the injured body part above the level of the heart (if possible) to reduce bleeding.
3. Cleaning the Wound
Once the bleeding is controlled:
Rinse the wound under cool, running water for several minutes to wash away dirt, debris, and bacteria.
Use mild soap to clean the skin around the wound (not inside the wound).
If visible dirt remains, carefully remove it with sterilized tweezers (clean tweezers with alcohol first).
Avoid strong chemicals (like iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol) directly inside the wound as they can damage tissue.
4. Protecting the Wound
Gently pat dry the wound with a sterile pad or clean cloth.
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment/cream to prevent infection.
Cover the cut with a sterile bandage, adhesive strip, or gauze pad.
Make sure the bandage is snug but not too tight (to avoid cutting off circulation).
5. Ongoing Care
Change the dressing at least once daily, or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
Wash hands before and after changing the bandage.
Keep the wound clean and dry until fully healed.
Minor cuts usually heal within a few days to a week.
6. Watch for Signs of Infection
Seek medical attention if you notice:
Redness spreading around the wound
Swelling or increasing pain
Pus or unusual discharge
Warmth or fever
7. When to Seek Professional Help Immediately
The cut is deep, long, or has gaping edges that may need stitches.
Bleeding does not stop after 10–15 minutes of pressure
The wound was caused by a dirty, rusty, or contaminated object.
A foreign object (glass, metal, wood) remains inside.
The person has not had a tetanus shot in the past 5–10 years.
The cut is on a sensitive area (face, eyes, genitals, joints).
Application of First Aid skills on a cut-emphasizing personal safety, hygiene, and systematic wound care to prevent complications and ensure quick recovery.
Reflection on First Aid for Cuts
Administering first aid on cuts made me realize the importance of acting calmly and systematically during an emergency. The steps may seem simple, but in reality, panic can cause mistakes such as touching the wound with dirty hands or failing to stop bleeding quickly. I also learned that even minor cuts, if not managed properly, can lead to infections or long-term complications, Thus this experience emphasized the value of preparedness, having a first aid knowledge . It also reminded me of the responsibility of a trainer/ first aider to reassure and comfort the injured person while attending to them.
Precautions to Take When Giving First Aid on Cuts
a) Personal Safety First
Always wash hands or wear gloves before handling the wound.
Avoid direct contact with blood to prevent transmission of infections.
b) Preventing Infection
Use only clean or sterile materials (gauze, bandages).
Do not blow on the wound or touch it with unwashed hands.
Avoid using harsh chemicals directly inside the wound.
c) Proper Handling
Apply pressure gently, not excessively, to avoid further tissue damage.
Do not attempt to remove deeply embedded objects—leave it for medical professionals.
Do not reuse dirty dressings or bandages.
d) Monitoring
Check regularly for signs of infection (swelling, redness, pus).
Ensure bandages are not too tight to avoid blocking circulation.
Keep the injured person calm and reassured.
e)Medical Follow-up
Seek medical help if bleeding persists or if the cut is deep, contaminated, or requires stitches.
Ensure the injured person’s tetanus vaccination is up-to-date.
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