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First Aid & EmergenciesReference

Bleeding Cuts or Wounds
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on August 23, 2022
Call 911 if:
Bleeding is severe
You suspect internal bleeding
There is an abdominal or chest wound
Bleeding can't be stopped after 10 minutes of firm and steady pressure
Blood spurts out of wound
1. Stop Bleeding
Apply direct pressure on the cut or wound with a clean cloth, tissue, or piece of gauze until
bleeding stops.
If blood soaks through the material, don’t remove it. Put more cloth or gauze on top of it and
continue to apply pressure.
If the wound is on the arm or leg, raise limb above the heart, if possible, to help slow bleeding.
Wash your hands again after giving first aid and before cleaning and dressing the wound.
Do not apply a tourniquet unless the bleeding is severe and not stopped with direct pressure.
2. Clean Cut or Wound
Gently clean with soap and warm water. Try to rinse soap out of wound to prevent irritation.
Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can damage tissue.
3. Protect the Wound
Apply antibiotic cream to reduce risk of infection and cover with a sterile bandage.
Change the bandage daily to keep the wound clean and dry.
4. When to Call a Doctor
The wound is deep or the edges are jagged or gaping open.
The wound is on the person’s face.
The wound has dirt or debris that won’t come out.
The wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness, or a thick discharge, or if the
person runs a fever.
The area around the wound feels numb.
Red streaks form around the wound.
The wound is a result of an animal or human bite.
The person has a puncture wound or deep cut and hasn’t had a tetanus shot in the past five years,
or anyone who hasn’t had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years.
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